IT was a poignant and endearing sight: the “father” of Paris Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo during his time in Japan finally meeting and having a good time with the ace gymnast’s family, led parents by Angelica and Jude Yulo.
They met over dinner last Dec. 30 when Toru Kugimiya, the father of gymnastics coach Munehiro Kugimiya, and his older brother Yuta visited the Yulos’ humble home in Leveriza, Malate, just behind the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, where the pint-sized Olympic sports hero was born.
The Japanese mentor largely credited for the success of Yulo in the romantic French capital said visiting the athlete’s family was a vow he made to the elder Kugimiya, who acted as Yulo’s surrogate father in the early days when he began training in the Japanese capital in 2016.
“Talagang overwhelmed kami sa pag-dating ni coach Mune (Kugimiya’s nickname), ang tatay niyang si Toru at kapatid na si Yuta,” recalled Mrs. Yulo, who served the visitors pork sinigang – the coach’s favorite dish, sweet and sour fish and barbecue spare ribs.
“Forever grateful kami sa father ni coach Mune kasi siya ‘yung naging tatay-tatayan ni Caloy noong nandun siya sa Japan. Hindi niya itinuring na iba ang anak namin,” the gymnast’s mother said with a lump on her throat.
“Noong nag-uusap pa kami ni Caloy, sabi ko sa kanya na huwag kalimutan ang kabutihan na ginawa ni Sir Toru sa kanya.”
The coach fondly remembered his father, who is still lean and spry at 75, patiently taking the gymnast daily during his early days to the train station as he was still finding his way around the Japanese capital.
“My father would be the one to prepare his breakfast and lunch, then take him to the train station until Caloy was familiar with what to do,” Kugimiya remembered how his father took care of the two-time world champion.
Mrs. Yulo likewise remembered when his son called her very late at night from Japan during his early days there, suffering from a stomach ache, and it was the elder Kugimiya who saw that his son would get the proper treatment even at the late hour.
“At the time, my father supported his (Yulo’s) Japanese life, food and transportation to commute for the gymnast, although he spoke little English. It was a difficult time for the gymnast. But I know it was difficult for my father, too, yet he did not falter, taking care of him,” the coach said on his Facebook post shortly after the meeting.
The gymnast’s mother noted that Kugimiya’s bespectacled father barely said anything but smiled most of the time while they were with them, and later was surprised when Karl Eldrew, accompanied by national coach and Kugimiya protégé Reyland Capellan, joined them.
“Akala ni Sir Toru at ‘yung elder brother ni coach Mune, si Caloy na ‘yung dumating. But, of course, we had to correct them,” Mrs. Yulo recalled of the meeting that lasted two hours.
While there was no talk about the Japanese mentor’s contributions to Yulo’s twin triumphs in Paris, Kugimiya shared his sentiments on his FB account about the accomplishments, without referring to the athlete directly.
“Your (Yulo’s) success becomes shared with those who help push you along the way, those who sacrifice (sic) so much for you without you noticing. I hope this message reaches your heart, and that you and (the national) team share it with the generations to come. For the athletes now and for the athletes of the future,” Kugimiya said.
He concluded his post with a quote from former International Olympic Committee president Jacques Rogge:
“Victory is achieved by crossing the finish line first. However, to be a true champion demands the admiration of others not only for one’s physical prowess but also for one’s character. Should you exemplify the qualities of a role model for your generation, you will be champions, irrespective of your placement.”
