By REY C. LACHICA
PARIS – For Carlos Yulo, this could be it – the realization of a cherished childhood dream.
But first things first, Yulo should have the focus of a Zen master when he steps inside the famed Bercy Arena for the finals of the floor exercise in the men’s artistic gymnastics of the Paris Olympics on Saturday, Aug. 3, here.
If he makes the proper breathing and does all the right moves in the 9:30 p.m. (Manila time) event, the 24-year-old Yulo would be the happiest person on earth at the end of the day.
“I need to improve my breathing so that I don’t rush and avoid mistakes,” said Yulo who has no plans whatsoever to increase the degree of difficulty in his routines.
What is crucial is the flow of his movements – the jump and tumbling must be smooth and powerful. No less.
After bungling his first shot at redemption when he finished only 12th in the all-around event on Thursday – no thanks to a fall in the pommel horse – the pride of Leveriza in Manila will try to make it happen in the event so close to his heart.
Four years ago in Stuttgart, Germany, Yulo burst into international fame and became a byword when he captured the gold medal in the floor exercise – making him a top gold prospect in the Covid-delayed Tokyo Games.
But in Tokyo, he made mistakes so glaring he failed to make it even in the finals.
But this time, things look rosy for a man on a mission.
Saying his time now is more flexible and is enjoying the things that were not available in the past, Yulo bowed to go all-out to make everybody happy – her family and girlfriend included.
Advancing to the finals in three events – he is set to compete in vault finals on Sunday, Aug. 4 – already made him a winner.
“It’s a big jump, I didn’t do that in Tokyo, so I’m thankful to the Lord because I got to experience them,” Yulo. “Even if I’m not lucky, I’ll accept it all.”
Standing in his way, is good friend in Fil-British Jake Jarman, who topped the floor exercise in both the prelims and during the all-around performance.
In the prelims, Yulo, who was also a world champion in vault in 2022, finished second and seventh during Friday’s routine.
His showdown with Jarman is likely to add drama to the competition. Out to crowd the two is grizzled veteran Illia Kovtun of Ukraine and all-around champion Japanese Oka Shinnosuke
Like anyone else, Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Dicky Bachmann and Philippine Olympic Committee President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino are looking forward to hearing the national anthem for the first time during the awarding ceremony.
Any color will do, but Yulo is going to shoot for the stars.
