Keirsten Layne Fernandez made Philippine sports history by capturing the country’s first-ever gold medal at the 2026 Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy in India on August 18.
The 13-year-old topped the Junior C Girls 1,000-meter event after clocking 1 minute and 44.307 seconds in the final. She edged Indonesia’s Matsuri Kinasih, who finished in 1:44.636, while Hong Kong’s Jacey Annabelle Yeung took third in 1:45.727.
Her triumph marked the Philippines’ first gold medal in the Asian Open Short Track Speed Skating Trophy.
“A groundbreaking moment for Philippine speed skating as Keirsten Fernandez captures the Philippines’ first-ever GOLD medal at the Asian Open Short Track Trophy 2026 in the 1000M event!” the Philippine Skating Union said in a social media post.
“Thank you for proving that Filipino talent belongs on the international stage. Congratulations, Keirsten! The nation is proud of you,” it added.
Fernandez added another gold to her haul on August 20 after winning the Junior C Girls 777-meter event. She clocked 1:19.989 to beat Australia’s Rachel Yi Lin Tan, who finished second in 1:20.749. Indonesia’s Matsuri Kinasih and Hong Kong’s Jacey Yeung shared bronze after both posting 1:20.779.
The Philippines finished the tournament with four medals. Xsandrie Guimba claimed silver in the Senior Women’s 1,000-meter event with a time of 1:52.003, while 8-year-old Kurt Zymone Zurbito took bronze in the Junior F Boys 333-meter category.
The Philippine Skating Union later wrote,
“Historic moments on the ice! Congratulations to the team for making history and inspiring Filipino short track speed skaters.”
Fernandez’s two gold medals highlighted the Philippine delegation’s campaign at the international meet, where Filipino skaters earned podium finishes across several categories.
