SOFIA FRANK missed the podium but secured the highest short program score by a Filipino in the International Skating Union Finlandia Trophy on Sunday at the Espoo Metro Arena in Finland.
Frank, only 16, placed 18th among 27 skaters. She posted 53.30 points to land in 18th place in the short program dominated by Russians Elizaveta Tuktamysheva (81.53), Alena Kostornaia (78.61) and Kamila Valieva (74.93).
Frank’s mom, Preciosa Tongko-Frank, told BusinessMirror in a chat message that her daughter made Philippines figure skating history in Finland.
“She [Sofia] made history as the highest scoring Filipina for a short program,” the former beauty queen said. “That’s a huge achievement. The skaters here are the best in the world, so super, so being 18th in the world isn’t bad.”
Philippine Skating Union President Nikki Cheng confirmed Frank’s accomplishment.
Frank, who skated to Donna Summer’s “Last Dance,” impressed with her double axel, triple lutz and triple loop combinations.
Olympian Michael Martinez and 2019 Southeast Asian Games silver medalist Christopher Caluza, meanwhile, finished 24th and 25th in the 26-athlete men’s free skate program.