By MARK REY MONTEJO
Double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo is convinced younger brother Eldrew has what it takes to become a SEA Games champion too.
But not in next year’s Thailand SEA Games since Eldrew is yet to reach the age requirement of 18 years old.
Eldrew is only 16, but rest assured Carlos will always be there every step of the way is his bid to become a star in his own right.
“Malaki din po ang potential ng kapatid ko po na manalo din po, nakasuporta po ako sa kanila,” said the older Yulo during the ‘Astig Ka, Carlos’ event where he received P5-million incentive from DigiPlus and ArenaPlus over the weekend.
Asked what advice he can give to his two siblings, Elaiza included, Carlos said: “Tips pa rin po kahit di pa sya makakalaro, tuloy-tuloy lang po, alam ko pong may pangarap din po sya sa buhay.”
The pride of Leveriza stressed that Eldrew should be strong in facing the challenges that may come his way during the course of his training, and more importantly, he must trust the process in order to reach his full potential.
“Madidiscover nya ang mga bagay-bagay sa training kasi po napakahirap mag-prepare and ‘yong proseso talagang it takes time gaya po ng pinagdaanan ko,” he continued.
Even before Carlo confirmed his participation in the SEA Games, Elaiza is already excited with the prospect of competing in the regional competition with her famous and now multi-millionaire brother.
“Masaya po and nakaka-excite din po, kasi ‘yong presence po nila kuya Caloy talagang nakakaboost din po ng morale,” said Elaiza in an interview a few weeks ago.
Just like Carlos, Eldrew and Elaiza are now making waves in regional tournaments.
Meanwhile, gymnastics chief Cynthia Carrion is inclined to build a men’s team for the next Olympics in Los Angeles.
“[GAP] has big plans for gymnastics. We have to go to the LA 2028 Olympics with a team and [Carlos Yulo] will be leading the team,” said Carrion.
“Of course, the team is composed of four athletes and one reserved, so we really have to train these other three so that we can win as a team,” she continued.
According to Carrion, Carlos will train abroad as he intends to win the all-around event.
“And he wants to win the gold medal for all-around [event], when he says all-around that means the six apparatuses and that’s very difficult so he’ll be training very hard,” said Carrion.
