Seven-year-old Yulo fan dreams of reaching his idol’s success
SANTIAGO CITY—Shy and a boy of few words, seven-year-old Ethan Jace Viernes relished his victory in the ongoing Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Meet 2026 here, snatching four gold medals in as many events to dislodge more experienced athletes in the gymnastics competition.
On Sunday, he won four gold medals and one bronze across five events—taking gold in the mushroom exercise, high bar, vault, and floor exercise, and bronze in the all-around final at San Andres Community Center in this city. The competitions were held even before the official opening of the regional meet, which runs until April 16.
Jace’s feat propelled him to a berth in the Palarong Pambansa slated later this year.
A big fan of Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, Viernes had confided to his coach that he wanted to be like his idol someday, which is why he was so eager in practice.
Jace once met Yulo during a practice session in Marikina City. His brother, also a gymnast, influenced him to take up the sport, according to his coach, Christopher Pagbilao of La Paz Elementary School.
“It is good that he met Caloy because he has envisioned being like him in the future,” the coach added.
The timid Viernes simply nodded and meekly said “Yes” when asked by the Inquirer and local reporters on Monday if he was happy about his victory.
“He is still young, but he is well-disciplined. He never misses practice. He would even skip breakfast to join early-morning strengthening sessions and eat only after. His daily routine starts with practice from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., then again at 3 p.m. during rigorous sessions,” Pagbilao said.
Eat and train
Asked who taught him his winning ways, Jace pointed to Pagbilao and smiled.
Pagbilao added that Jace’s house is nearby, allowing him to go home to eat before returning to school to use the gymnastics apparatus. He enjoys doing routines such as splits and tumbling, among others.
Asked how he would spend the P60,000 incentive given by the Provincial Local Government Unit of Quirino and the Schools Division Office of Quirino, Ethan said he would buy a cell phone.
His coach joked that part of the money might go toward buying underwear, noting that Jace used to wear worn or holed undergarments during practice.
