Yulo amazed by new MVP gymnastics center

World champion Carlos Yulo attended the inauguration of the MVP Sports Foundation Gymnastics Center in Intramuros, capping his short visit to the country.

“It’s beautiful. World-class. Can be used by teammates to train,” said the 22-year-old Yulo who was able to train for a few days.

Yulo returned March 1 with Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimaya.

It marked the first time Yulo met his parents after his two-gold medal exploits in the 30^th SEA Games in Manila in 2019.

Looking back on his failed bid in the Tokyo Olympics last year, Yulo said the disappointment only made him better.

He said, “The Tokyo Olympics really left an impact on me. I know it hurts a lot but I’m still thankful because while I wasn’t able to win, I was able to gain experience.”

Yulo said he’s looking forward to competing in the next Olympics in Paris.

“I want to win the gold there. I have the experience and I’ll do better in training,” he added.

Yulo performed poorly in the floor exercise — his pet event — finally placing fourth in the men’s vault in Tokyo.

He will compete in the 31^st SEA Games in Hanoi in May, the 19^th Asian Games in Hangzhou and the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Liverpool, England.

Kugimiya cited Yulo’s progress. “Caloy is improving little by little. My program will make sure he will easily recover and won’t get injured,” he said.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion said, “The training of the national team has been a real challenge for us during the pandemic. We moved heaven and earth so they will have a new home in a proper and safe environment.”

The center houses equipment for artistic gymnastics. A tent will be built outside the center for rhythmic gymnastics.