Carlos Yulo will always be deeply grateful to his Japanese coach, Munehiro Kugimiya, who began training him at the age of 16.
Kugimiya first met Yulo in Manila in 2013, when the Filipino gymnastics prodigy was just 13 years old. At that time, Yulo was already making waves by winning multiple titles at the Palarong Pambansa at the elementary level.
In 2016, three years after working through a grassroots program with the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, Yulo began his intensive training under Kugimiya.
Eight years later, Yulo emerged as a double gold medalist at the Paris Olympics.
“I wouldn’t have reached this level if it weren’t for my coach. He helped me build a plan, taught me how to train, and also supported me in my education. I am incredibly thankful and grateful to him,” Yulo shared during a Thanksgiving mass organized by the Philippine Embassy in Paris, France.
Kugimiya and Yulo parted ways last year, with Aldrin Castaneda taking over as his coach. However, Yulo plans to reunite with Kugimiya in Japan to show him his Olympic medals once his commitments in the Philippines are fulfilled.
A hero’s welcome awaits Yulo and the rest of the Philippine delegation when they return to Manila on Wednesday.
Yulo’s victories did not go unnoticed by Kugimiya, who was in Paris as part of the Sri Lanka delegation. He watched Yulo from the sidelines and personally witnessed his gold-winning moments.
