Sofia Guidote’s story is one of sacrifice, skill, and even some skating drama

Video by Samantha Ong

Sofia Guidote, who’s currently eyeing the upcoming SEA Games and the World Junior Figure Skating Championships, makes us hopeful about the future of Philippine figure skating. That’s probably a lot of pressure to put on an individual, regardless of their age. Whatever the case, the fact is that all this hope is rooted in getting to talk to the teenager, in hearing her tell her story. Which has some of the essential trappings of a classic inspirational story: virtuosity, adversity, sacrifice, even a touch of competition-induced drama.

But arguably what stands out as the most compelling element here is Sofia Guidote’s skating, with a whole lot of rhetorical nonsense pared away. By which I mean, there’s no point in trying to verbalize movement—you have to see her skate to understand the depth and beauty not only of her talent but also of the sport.