Yulo plans grateful Japan return
Carlos Yulo hopes to go back to where his Olympic journey picked up speed.
“Japan is really special to my heart because it boosted my gymnastics and, of course, my personality,’’ said Yulo on Tuesday evening during a gathering organized by the Japanese Embassy at Forbes Park in Makati City.
“Not only I miss the ramen there, but also the people who became part of my two Olympic journeys,’’ added the double gold medalist in men’s artistic gymnastics during the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Planning to visit the Japanese capital this year where he trained for nearly a decade, Yulo was given a special citation from the Japanese Embassy.
Japan Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya and wife Akiko handed the tribute to Yulo, who was accompanied by Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion.
International Olympic Committee presidential candidate Morinari Watanabe of Japan was likewise present along with Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard Bachmann and Philippine Olympic Committee president Abraham Tolentino.
“I am planning to visit Japan soon. I am going to the university (Teikyo University) and thank them for the support, the scholarship they provided and for taking care of me,’’ said Yulo, whose accomplishments contributed in boosting Japan’s relationship with the Philippines.
“I want to see everybody there and I will show my medals,’’ added Yulo.
The 24-year-old Olympic champion in the men’s floor exercise and vault said he still maintains a good relationship with his long-time Japanese coach Munehiro Kugiyama despite their separation in September last year.
“Coach Mune has taught me to try and try and never be afraid. He taught me not to give up what you want to achieve in life,’’ said Yulo.
Together, Yulo and Kugimiya churned out two world championship gold medals in 2019 (floor exercise) and 2021 (vault) and 15 victories in various international competitions.
“He told me to persevere and give time and dedication to gain something better in knowing yourself more in the journey,’’ he added.
Yulo earned a scholarship grant from the Japan Olympic Committee beginning 2016 where the greatest Filipino Olympian started polishing his craft under Kugimiya.
