AMBASSADOR’S AWARD. Filipino Olympic double-gold winner Carlos Yulo (left) receives the Ambassador's Award from Japanese Ambassador to the Philippines Endo Kazuya at his residence in Makati on Tuesday night (Oct. 1, 2024). Kazuya cited how Yulo’s training in Japan made a significant contribution in honing his skills in gymnastics. (Photo by Joyce Rocamora)
MANILA – The Japanese Embassy in Manila honored and conferred the Ambassador’s Award to Filipino Olympic double-gold winner Carlos Yulo, saying his Paris 2024 win has made both Japan and the Philippines ”prouder and closer”.
In a reception he hosted in Makati on Tuesday night, Japanese Ambassador Endo Kazuya cited how Yulo’s training in Japan made a significant contribution in honing his skills in gymnastics.
“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,” he said.
“As he remains a superb testament to our countries’ people-to-people and cultural exchanges, Japan is deeply honored to have helped shape him into the best version of himself and into one of the finest athletes the sport has seen."
Yulo won two gold medals for his stunning performance at the Floor Exercise and Vault Events in the 2024 Paris Olympics.
He, who trained under Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya, received a gymnastics scholarship by the Japanese Olympic Committee in Tokyo.
In 2019, he was conferred his first Japan Ambassador’s Commendation for his “outstanding contributions to enhancing mutual understanding and friendship between Japan and the Philippines" through sports.
In an interview, Yulo said he will continue to embody the lessons and discipline imparted by Kugimiya in Japan.
“Natuto ako na try nang try lang talaga at huwag matakot at sumuko sa kung ano ang gusto mong abutin sa buhay (I learned how to try and try and not to fear when I want to achieve something in life),” he said.
“(Natutunan ko) na kapag sinipagan mo, tinyaga mo, at binigyan mo ng oras —binigay mo puso at dedication mo— may mas maabot ka pang mataas at mas makikilala mo ang sarili mo sa journey (I learned that when you persevere, you give time — you dedicate your heart— you will achieve greater things and learn more about yourself),” he said.
Joining Yulo at the reception was Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion, Philippine Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino, and other dignitaries. (PNA)
