Photo Credits to FIG social media.
By Angelli Ojastro
The Philippine national anthem has never played in the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships. Not until the 19-year old, Carlos Yulo came along and bagged a gold medal last October 12 in Stuttgart, Germany.
Here are some facts you need to know about our latest rising star athlete.
1. First Southeast Asian Male Gold Medalist
When the four foot nine gymnast succeed in the Worlds, it did not only brought glory to the Philippines but also to its neighboring nations as well. In a sport dominated by China, Russia, the United States of America, and Japan, Yulo’s triumph was an inspiration for his fellow athletes and motivation for himself to become better.
2. Success before AGWC
Before his triumphant win in the Worlds, Yulo has achieved and already made a name for himself in Philippine gymnastics. In 2011, he was able to gather four gold medals in Palarong Pambansa and one gold medal in the Philippine National Games. At a young age, he now has over 400 medals and counting.
3. SEA Games-bound
As the South East Asian Games approaches, the star-gymnast is set to showcase his talents in front of his fellow Filipinos and aims to sweep all 7 artistic events in the gymnastics tournament. Yulo is also one of the top nominees to be the Philippines’ flag-bearer in the opening ceremonies on November 30 at the Philippine Arena in Bocaue, Bulacan.
4. Set for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics
Yulo’s victory in the AGWC ensured his slot to represent the Philippines in the biggest and most prestigious sporting event in the world. He is the second Filipino athlete to qualify for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. He is grabbing every opportunity he can to train harder in order to replicate or outdo his winning performance in the Worlds and finally give the Philippines its first-ever Olympic gold medal.
5. Yulo’s humble beginnings
Young Carlos started his gymnastics career by watching gymnasts training in the Rizal Memorial Stadium. At an early age, he fell in love with the sport and found himself joining them for training.
After a few years, a Japanese coach, Munehiro Kugimiya discovered him and saw potential. He then told Carlo that with better-equipped facilities, his talent for gymnastics could be more nurtured. Carlos agreed to be under the wing of the champion-making coach and is continuously training with him while attending Teikyo University.
Follow the writer on Twitter: @thegreatangelli
