Asian Games rookies Carlos Edriel Yulo and Reyland Capellan expressed optimism over their chances for a podium finish when they plunge into action in the men’s artistic competition of the gymnastics event that kicks off on Monday at the Jakarta International Expo Kanayoran Hall D.
The 18-year-old Yulo, the prince of the Palarong Pambansa, said he wanted to give back for what the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) and his country had given him in his preparation for the Games.
“I am ready this time at gusto ko pong maipakita ang buong makakaya ko para makapagwagi ng medalya para sa bansa,” said Yulo, who clinched a silver in floor exercise in the 2018 Doha World Cup in Qatar and a bronze in vault in Melbourne World Cup Gymnastics 2018 in Australia.
He also bagged a silver in vault in the Baku World Cup 2018 in Azerbaijan last March 18.
Yulo will compete in the individual all-around, horizontal bar, pommel horse, parallel bars, vault, rings, and his favorite floor exercise.
Capellan, who won gold in floor exercise and bronze in vault in last year’ Kuala Lumpur Southeast Asian Games, also wants to show that he deserves the slot on the national team.
“Handa na po akong makipagsabayan sa kanila,” said Capellan, who – like Yulo – is in his first tour of duty in Asian Games.
Unlike Yulo, who will have seven chances to win a gold medal, Capellan will only compete in vault and floor exercise.
Jan Gwynn Timbang, the other men’s artistic bet, will take his chances in vault, rings, horizontal bar, pommel horse, parallel bars and floor exercise,
Competing in the Women’s Artistic Gymnastics are Ma. Cristina Onofre (balance beam, floor exercise, vault and uneven bars), Carinne Leanne Bunagan (balance beam, floor exercise, vault and uneven bars), and Shieldannah Sabio and Marian Nicole Medina (individual all-around).
