Filipino gymnast raises the bar

MANILA, Philippines — The year that is coming to a close will be remembered as the year a Filipino gymnast broke the ice in the World Championships.

Carlos “Caloy” Yulo, who will turn 19 in February, made the country proud by winning the bronze medal in Doha, Qatar last November.

Yulo became the first Filipino gymnast and the first from Southeast Asia to win a medal in the event that draws the biggest names in the sport.

The Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) yesterday welcomed Yulo, who just arrived from Japan, where he currently trains and studies.

The Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) cited Yulo for his achievement. Commissioner Celia Kiram presented him a P250,000 check as his incentive.

Yulo’s parents and siblings joined the party at the GAP quarters – a picture of a happy family.

Cynthia Carrion, the GAP president, prepared an audio-visual presentation of Yulo’s sterling performance in Doha.

Yulo sat at the head table with his Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya as the video rolled. Some of those who were present clapped their hands like they were watching a live performance.

Expectations are high for Yulo, who will vie in the 2019 SEA Games in Manila in November, and hopes to make it to the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

“I think he can win seven gold medals in the SEA Games,” said Carrion, who also acts as Yulo’s No. 1 cheerleader.

Carrion said Yulo, fully supported by the MVP Sports Foundation, can dominate the SEA Games the way Michael Phelps dominated the Olympics.

Yulo, the GAP head added, can deliver the country’s first gold in the Olympics.

“Caloy will win it for the Philippines. He will win it for his family,” she told members of the media.

Yulo, who sat quietly, was not as bold.

“Hindi ko po alam (I don’t know),” he said.