MANILA, Philippines – Filipino figure skater Michael Martinez is headed to the 2018 Winter Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, after all.

This, after a skater from Sweden withdrew in the event, opening up a spot for Martinez.

The Filipino barely missed the Olympic qualifying cut as he finished in 8th place in the Nebelhorn Trophy in Germany last year. Only the Top 7 from that event would make it to South Korea for the Winter Games.

However, his eighth place finish meant that he would be the first alternate should a skater withdraw from the Games.

Michael Martinez is going to #WinterOlympics after Sweden withdrew we chatted with him on the phone shortly after he was told by the POC on Wednesday morning 🇵🇭⛸ .@abscbnsports .@ABSCBNNewsSport pic.twitter.com/FjvQ61h2Iv — Steve Angeles (@StevieAngeles) January 24, 2018

"I got a message from the POC (Philippine Olympic Committee), and the federation. They said, 'Michael, you're in,'" Martinez said. "I was pretty shocked."

"I rushed to the rink and told my coach. We're all super happy about it," he added. "I'm very, very thankful for everybody, for all the players.

Martinez first captured the country's attention four years ago, when he became the Philippines' lone representative to the Sochi Olympics. He finished 19th overall at the time.

This time around, he will be joined by Asa Miller, who will represent the Philippines in the slalom ski event.

The Winter Olympics opens on February 9.

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