Filipino cross-country skier Avery Balbanida finished the race but couldn’t progress as among the 30 fastest skiers in the next round of men’s sprint freestyle event of fourth Winter Youth Olympic Games on Monday morning, Jan. 29, at the Alpensia Biathlon Centre in Gangwon, South Korea. 

The 16-year-old Balbanida kept his head up high following a 69th place finish in the qualification stage with 3:44.34 time — which was 40.36 behind to qualification top notcher Austrian Elias Eischer (3:03.98).

“It was more of international level skiing against the greatest skiers of my age so I think it was a pretty good performance,” Balbanida said. “I think I handled skiing very well so this will help me in my future competitions.”

The event was dominated by gold winner Italian Federico Pozzi, who clocked three minutes and 16.27 seconds, while German Jakob Elias Moch timed in 3:16.60 for the silver and American Tabor Greenberg bagged the bronze with 3:17.33 time. 

Australian Canada based coach Allison McAdler praised Balbanida’s perseverance on the snow course  with 40 meters total climb, saying her student had a pretty good performance as he didn’t falter and keep his poise down the stretch. 

“He gave everything and didn’t falter, looked strong coming out from the start, and I’m proud of him,” McAdler said. “He had still a good finish overall.”

Balbanida, who was watched by parents Voltaire and Rosalia, McAdler and Philippine Snow and Ski Sports Federation President Jezreel Apelar, will be skiing on Tuesday in the 7.5 kilometers classic event — his second and last competition. 

“Tomorrow will be a bit challenge since it is two laps, 7.5-km, but it’s an individual start. So there are lots of opportunities for passing and lots of opportunities to see how other skiing. That will be an excellent experience for him,” McAdler said. 

Balbanida said he would do his best in his last event. 

“I feel like definitely more easier here than the course in Canada. So I’ll just do my best,” he said.