The Philippines is on the verge of a historic medal at the 9th Asian Winter Games, with speed skater Peter Joseph Groseclose advancing in short track events and curlers Marc Pfister and Kathleen Dubberstein battling for a podium finish.
Despite a 10-3 loss to Japan in the mixed doubles curling semifinals, Pfister and Dubberstein will still compete for bronze against host China on Saturday, aiming to deliver the nation’s first-ever Winter Games medal.
Meanwhile, Groseclose impressed on the ice, qualifying for the semifinals of the 1500m and the quarterfinals of the 500m and 1000m, keeping his medal hopes alive.
“I’m excited to have started my Asian Winter Games campaign on such a strong note, advancing through the semifinals and quarterfinals in all events,” said Groseclose, who will vie for a medal in the 1500m and 500m on Saturday and the 1000m on Sunday.
The 17-year-old Winter Youth Olympian finished second in his 500m heat with a time of 42.562 seconds, behind Korea’s Sungwoo Jang (42.258s). In the 1500m quarterfinals, he placed fourth with a 2:19.31 time, while in the 1000m, he clocked 1:29.63, securing a semifinal spot.
“It gives me great confidence and motivation as I continue to compete and strive for success in the upcoming races,” added Groseclose, who previously finished fifth at the 2024 Winter Youth Olympics in South Korea—the best-ever result for a Filipino at the event.
PH Curling Team Eyes Podium Finish
Before their semifinal loss, Pfister and Dubberstein put on a dominant performance in Group B, winning four of five matches, including a 12-6 victory over No. 13 South Korea and a 7-2 win over Chinese Taipei in the qualification round.
Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino remains optimistic about their chances.
“They’ve been doing well, and although we lost to Japan, we still have a shot at a medal,” said Tolentino, who has been cheering for the athletes alongside POC Secretary General Wharton Chan.
Groseclose and Dubberstein were also honored as flag-bearers for the Philippines during the opening ceremony at Harbin International Convention Exhibition and Sports Center.
A total of 20 Filipino athletes, supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, are competing in Harbin. Other hopefuls include figure skaters Paolo Borromeo, Cathryn Limketkai, Sofia Frank, and pairs skaters Isabella Gamez and Alexander Korovin.
Additionally, alpine skiers Francis Ceccarelli and Tallulah Proulx and snowboarder Laetaz Amihan Rabe will vie for podium finishes in their respective events.
The curling bronze-medal match and the speed skating finals (1500m and 500m) will take place on Saturday, while Proulx competes in women’s slalom and Ceccarelli in men’s slalom on Sunday.
