“If you build it, he will come.”
Just like in the 90’s film Field of Dreams, it is a huge help for Filipino gymnasts to have a brand-new Gymnastics Association of the Philippines Training Center in the heart of Intramuros, Manila.
And no one felt as delighted as two-time World Champion Caloy Yulo.
The 22-year-old standout said, “Siyempre po, super saya kasi yung nag-start po ako, yung mga kasama ko po umalis po sila talaga. Ako lang po yung parang pinaka-natira po. May mga natira po, kakabalik lang ng pinsan ko po. Pero right now maraming batang gustong sumali po.”
Carlos believes that in order for these kids to reach his level, it takes much time, effort, and hard work. However, one thing is sure – nothing is impossible.
“Marami pong potential na mga batang sumasali ngayon. Marami rin pong kailangang gawin talaga para maging world-class po, pero hindi naman po ibig sabihin noon imposible po. Posible po yun sa pag-practice araw-araw.”
And with this new training ground, the possibility is endless.
Yulo said, “Malaki po ang maitutulong kasi – parehas lang naman po (pertaining to Rizal Memorial) – pero mas malinis lang po at mas maaliwalas po dito. And kumpleto rin po.
“Siyempre po, ngayon pong pandemic, nag-stop sila sa training ng isa, dalawang taon siguro. Very thankful po na may gumawa na ng gym, at may makakapag-training na.”
The gymnastics prodigy, therefore, also welcomed the possibility of staying here for good with this facility in place. He, however, admitted that, “Depende po, after ko po kasing mag-graduate, mag-schooling pa po ulit ako ng four years. Baka doon (referring to Japan) po ako magtuloy hanggang 2024.”
The elder Yulo, nonetheless, believes that the future generation can benefit from this place, with particular mention to younger brother and junior gymnast Karl Eldrew.
“Yung kapatid ko po, kung ipagkumpara mo sa’kin nung ganoong edad po, walang-wala po ako.
“So, malaking bagay po na yung coach niya eh teammate ko po dati, yung gold medallist sa SEA Games po, si kuya Reyland (Capellan). May knowledge na rin po siya (Capellan) about sa mga techniques, kaya malaking tulong po siya kay Eldrew,” he said.
The reigning Southeast Asian Games all-around champion looks at his younger sibling from afar and just wants him to flourish in his own way.
“Magkaiba naman po kami ng gusto at mas magkaiba ng nakikita. Hinahayaan ko po siyang mag-grow sa sariling paraan at sa sarili niya.”
And with a new home in place, the future looks brighter for the younger Yulo and the next line of gymnasts from the Philippines.
