Courtesy: Carlos Edriel Yulo / Facebook
Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion is confident that brothers Carlos and Eldrew Yulo can make history and deliver gold medals for the Philippines at the upcoming 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan.
The Asian Games will mark the first time the Yulo brothers compete together in the continental meet. They previously shared the podium at the 13th Asian Senior Artistic Gymnastics Championships in China last June, where Carlos won gold and Eldrew took bronze in the men’s floor exercise.
Carrion believes both brothers have strong medal chances in their respective events. While Carlos is expected to lead the charge in his specialty events — the floor exercise and vault, Eldrew could also contend for gold in the horizontal bar.
“Carlos [Yulo] is not good in the horizontal bar, but Eldrew is very good. And then, they can compete both in the floor exercise. They all have a specialty, which is good. It’s not all the same,” Carrion said.
Asked about the possibility of the Yulo brothers winning double golds, the GAP chief said, “Yes. Hoping and praying that they don’t get injured. That’s why I told them, ‘Please take care.’”
Carrion said the brothers are eager to compete together and are motivated to make their mark in their Asian Games debut.
“Oh, he’s [Carlos] very, very, very excited. He’s really looking forward to this Asian Games because it’s the first Asian Games he’s going to join. Eldrew is also inspired by his brother. They’re very inspiring to each other. They really love to compete together,” Carrion said.
Meanwhile, GAP is also stepping up preparations for the national squad ahead of the Asiad. Carlos and Eldrew are scheduled to leave for Japan on September 2 for a week-long training camp, together with their fellow MAG athletes Juancho Miguel Besana and Justine Ace De Leon.
The women’s artistic gymnastics team is currently training in Utah, while rhythmic gymnasts Breanna Labadan and Jasmine Ramilo are conditioning in Budapest and Italy. Trampoline gymnasts Jerry Ilano Jr. and LJ Padilla are also set for another training camp, also in Japan.
The Philippine gymnastics team is aiming to end a 75-year medal drought in the Asian Games and make history in Aichi-Nagoya.
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