Local aces upbeat on Miller’s stint

The Philippine Ski Federation hopes to sustain the momentum from the milestone stint of Fil-Am alpine skier Asa Miller in the 2018 Winter Olympics as it eyes more qualifiers in the next snow sports joust four years from now.

“Our snow sports program has no way to go but up. We look forward to an exciting next Winter Games as our young teenagers/athletes try to compete and make it to the Beijing 2022 Olympics. This time we’re shooting to have four to five new athletes ready to compete in various disciplines and sports,” the federation said.

The PSF maintains a growing number of Fil-foreign bets, mostly from the US, Canada, Austria, Finland and Switzerland, competing in International Ski Federation-sanctioned tournaments in alpine skiing, freestyle and snowboarding.

Portland-based teenager Miller debuted in the giant slalom event last Sunday in PyeongChang, where he finished 70th out of 110 skiers overall.

The 17-year-old Miller clocked 1:27.52 in his first run and improved to 1:22.43 in Run 2 and was among 75 who finished the twin runs.

“I’m very proud to represent our country and I’m happy to finish my race,” said Miller. “I hope that my actions act as an inspiration for others to achieve their dreams. Mabuhay!”

Miller was joined by Sochi veteran Michael Martinez in the lean Phl delegation and was tasked to carry the flag during the opening ceremonies.