It’s no secret that Olympic champ Carlos Yulo has deep ties with Japan. The gymnast spent close to a decade there, studying at Teikyo University and training with coach Munehiro Kugimiya.
“It excites me to know that it was in Japan where Carlos further honed his mind and body into becoming a champion through a scholarship that helped him on his winning path,” said Japan Ambassador Endo Kazuya. “Japan is deeply, deeply honored to have helped shape him into the best version of himself and into one of the finest athletes the sport has seen.”
Earlier this week, the ambassador hosted a special celebration dinner for Yulo at his home and presented him with an Ambassador’s Special Award “for his outstanding contribution to the world of sports and Philippines-Japan relations.” In 2019, Yulo was also conferred the Ambassador’s Commendation.
“This evening is so special for us,” Kazuya said, noting that his wife Akiko was wearing a gold obi with her kimono—a nod to the two gold medals Yulo won at the recent Paris Olympics.
Grateful
Kazuya called Yulo “a triumphant national icon” and “a superb testament to our countries’ people-to-people and sports cultural exchanges.”
“Japan is really special to my heart,” Yulo said. “It really helped me to boost my gymnastics and my personality, as well. I’m really grateful for the people that I met there. I learned skills, their culture … I’m really grateful for that and for the help that they gave me and the knowledge that I acquired.”
Yulo said that Kugiyama taught him to be dedicated, to keep trying and to never give up.
Present at the dinner was Morinari Watanabe, president of the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique
and a candidate for International Olympic Committee president in the 2025 elections. Kazuya wished him success and also said, “I hope he will continue to watch over Carlos’ career eagerly.”
Cynthia Carrion, president of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, was also at the event.
Yulo said in Filipino, “A lot of people really helped me. Foremost was Ma’am Cynthia, she saw everything. I can say that she’s the one who really believed in me and supported me fully with no hesitation.”
A lot of funding is needed to make a champion, Carrion said, adding, “I did not realize I would become a professional beggar, but a beggar with style and substance because I believe I was doing it with honesty, with confidence…and transparency and for pursuit of excellence.”
She said, “The song that says ‘Dream the impossible dream,’ became ‘Dream of possible dreams’ because MVP (Manny V. Pangilinan) decided to give me some funds.”
Yulo recalls being frustrated after not being able to get a medal at the Tokyo Olympics. He said, “I was disappointed, super down and feeling angry…I wanted revenge. But that’s not sustainable. You have to strategize and approach it in a different way.”
Mental health
It was this different approach that led to his Olympic victory. “Should I take things negatively or positively? I poured my energy into the things that would help me. Of course, mental health. It’s super important. It’s as important as physical health.”
He added, “And spiritually, I always thank the Lord. Whatever challenges he gives me, I accept them completely and with no fear. A lot of things really helped me, it’s not just gymnastics. My personal life also helped me.”
During the Q&A session, when a Japanese journalist asked him a question, Yulo responded in lengthy Japanese. He will go back to Japan soon. “I will go to the university and say thank you for the support they gave me and the scholarship… and gusto ko ng ramen po eh. Na-miss ko po yung ramen. (I want ramen. I miss ramen.)”
Carrion is determined to continue the country’s Olympic success. “We are not going to stop now. We have the LA Olympics…we have a lot of World Championships. Now that we’ve experienced what we can do with one Olympian, I think we should continue doing the same thing for the others, and I know that the others want to be like Carlos Yulo.”
Right now, in their grassroots program, there are a hundred little boys who want to become like Yulo. Carrion said, “They’re doing very well. I’m amazed. They’re really training daily. I think we’re going to continue this program very well, as long as we have funding.”
Japan is also contributing to their development. “Japan gave us some beautiful equipment,” said Carrion. “We are collaborating with Japan a lot. We’re going to go for training camps in Japan. And Mr. Watanabe will also be sending good coaches here for the other athletes as well.”
That’s good news for young gymnasts who want to follow in Yulo’s footsteps.
Kazuya said to Yulo, “We honor the hard work and sacrifices you have made for the gold and your goals. May your two medals always remind you of the two countries you’ve made prouder and closer with your exceptional achievement. Mabuhay ka.”