In his first appearance on the biggest stage of sports, Francis Ceccarelli showed courage and determination as he represented the Philippines at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The Filipino-Italian alpine skier wholeheartedly embraced the challenge of competing against some of the world's best athletes, an experience he described as almost perfect despite the harsh weather conditions.
Ceccarelli competed in the men’s giant slalom and men’s slalom, where he faced veterans and Olympic medalists in the field of alpine skiing. He finished 54th out of 81 competitors in the giant slalom, while he did not finish the slalom event due to difficult and dangerous conditions at the festival. Despite this, his message was clear: this experience was a great start and an important step towards a higher level of competition.
For Ceccarelli, wearing the colors of the Philippine flag is a great honor. He shared that he was emotional and proud to be able to showcase his roots on a global stage. His participation is not only a personal achievement but also a symbol of the continued expansion of the Philippines' presence in winter sports—a field that is gradually opening up for the next generation of Filipino athletes.
The 22-year-old athlete did not hesitate to return to training immediately after his campaign. He said that the exposure against world-class athletes only fueled his desire to enter the top 50 in the world in the coming years. His dedication to continuous training and participation in international races is a testament to his professionalism and clear direction.
Above all, Ceccarelli hopes to serve as an inspiration to the next generation of Filipinos. His message: believe in your dreams, work hard, and never give up. As the Winter Olympics conclude at Verona Stadium, he brings home not only experience but a stronger conviction—that one day, more Filipinos will succeed on the ice of the world stage.
