Gymnastics Association of the Philippines President Cynthia Carrion. Photo by Rom Anzures, ABS-CBN News.MANILA — The 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships will finally take center stage in the country starting November 20, and Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion is optimistic about the local contingent's chances against the world’s best.
Headlining the Philippines’ bets is 17-year-old Eldrew Yulo, whom Carrion sees as the country’s best chance to bring home gold.
“I think Eldrew is poised to win gold in floor, rings, vault, and more,” said Carrion during Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Forum in Manila. Eldrew is the younger brother of double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo.
“He is very skilled in all of those events, and if he does what he is supposed to do, he can win two golds,” added Carrion.
Also expected to compete in the men’s division are Hilario Palles, Anthony Palles, and CJ Pernia, while Maxine Bondoc, Jellian Bantilan, Elisabeth Antone, and Sabina Tayag will represent the women’s team.
Carrion shared that it was a last-minute decision by FIG to allow the Philippines to field squads in both the men's and women's divisions, which required them to work double time to finalize the lineup.
“We were not supposed to have a MAG and WAG team, but we wanted to give our grassroots teams the experience,” she revealed. “I really had to evaluate.”
Despite the quick preparations, Carrion remains confident in them.
“The women’s team is also doing well,” she said. “Other nations are very strong, such as the USA, Japan, and China, so I am hoping and praying that they also perform well.”
Equally prepared is the Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay, which will host the Junior Worlds from November 20 to 24.
“Everything is fantastic. FIG gave us a perfect 10 for our preparation. The look and feel of the whole venue already reflects gymnastics,” Carrion said.
“We are ready. Our training halls, stretching halls, and warm-up halls are ready. The first, second, and third floors of the Grand Ballroom will be ours. We even have a beauty parlor and wellness massage. Everything is there.”
“Even if we don’t win a medal, just the fact that we have a good organization for the Philippines, it will be very, very good,” she added of the tournament, which also features Arnel Pineda as official singer of theme song: ‘Going for Gold,’ and has Derek Ramsay as emcee.
And while it’s all systems go from here on, the most important thing for Carrion is how the tournament can also further promote and grow the sport in the Philippines.
“That is what FIG wants. They want to boost gymnastics all over the world,” she said. “We’re inviting schools to the opening, and we’re doing it for free.”
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