This time around, speed skater Katherine Magno won’t be preparing, training and competing for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games all by herself.
Eleven aspirants based in the United States and in the Philippines will join Magno in her quest for the glory.
Together with her new teammates, she has joined the three-day 2018 Philippine Short Track Training Camp, which will end with a competition on Thursday.
“It was my hope that I will have a team that will go with me to the SEA Games. Preparation is different compared to the last SEA Games,” said the 28-year-old Magno during a press conference yesterday at the SM Megamall Skating Rink.
During the 2017 SEA Games, Magno, who is based in Gilroy, California, competed all by herself with no coach and no teammate. She placed fourth overall.
Now, Magno is elated that she will have a coach and many teammates.
“Now, I’m learning to train with a team,” added Magno.
The camp, which is organized by the Philippine Skating Union, is the first of its kind in the Philippines.
PSU president Josie Veguillas and sports director Christopher Martin talked about the camp with former Australian national coach Margaret Holland and international referee Kelvin Nicolle.
Holland and Nicole acted as moderators of the three-day camp.
An 11-member team from from India has also joined the camp, which is aimed at giving speed skaters an opportunity to enhance their skills on ice.
Holland used to be a national coach and has helped Australia earn medals at many world championships.
Joining Magno in seeking medals in the SEA Games are US-based campaigners Julian Macaraeg and Marc Gonzales.
Local skaters Kevin Villanueva, who is playing coach, will be around with Molly Martinez and Kayla Gonzales.