Tallulah Proulx, Francis Ceccarelli honored to represent PH as Winter Olympics stints end

MANILA, Philippines – Alpine skiers Tallulah Proulx and Francis Ceccarelli reveled in the opportunity to don the national tricolors as they wrapped up their campaigns in the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics in Italy.

Proulx, 17, and Ceccarelli, 22, both saw action in the slalom and giant slalom events — their stints marking only the seventh edition the Philippines, a tropical country, took part in the quadrennial showpiece for winter sports. 

The first female to represent the Philippines in the Winter Games, Proulx finished 52nd out of 76 entries in the women’s giant slalom on Sunday, February 15, then placed 50th out of 95 participants in the women’s slalom on Wednesday, February 18. 

“I feel so honored to be able to present an important part of my heritage on the biggest stage I’ll probably be on all my life,” said Proulx, whose father traces his roots to Eastern Samar. 

“Being the first Filipina at the [Winter] Olympics is truly such a special moment.”

Competing in the Games at the young age of 17 bodes well for the future of Proulx, considering the champions and medalists in the two events she participated in were mostly in their 30s.

Italy’s Federica Brignone, 35, claimed the women’s giant slalom crown, while the USA’s Mikaela Shiffrin, 30, clinched the women’s slalom title. 

“I fought till the end, so I’m really proud of myself,” Proulx said in an interview with the International Ski and Snowboard Federation. 

Meanwhile, Ceccarelli wound up at 54th place out of 81 skiers in the men’s giant slalom on Saturday, February 14, before being one of the 57 athletes who registered a DNF (did not finish) in the men’s giant slalom on Monday, February 16, as he suffered a crash in his first run.

Only 39 completed the men’s slalom event. 

“I’m happy with my work here. Representing the Philippines for me for the first time is my honor — for my people, for my family, for the [team] members,” said Ceccarelli, who was born in Quezon City and adopted by Italian parents. 

As disappointed as he was that he failed to end his bid on a high note, Ceccarelli looks forward to a better showing for the Philippines in future tournaments. 

“Just never stop. Every day, you can get really better. You can upgrade every day,” said Ceccarelli. “Just push yourself harder — every day and every moment.” – Rappler.com