Sports mirror Life

We learned as much from Carlos Yulo, the first Filipino to win two Olympic gold medals in Philippine history, as much as we learned from EJ Obiena, who went home without a medal in the Paris Olympics of 2024.

We also learned from boxer Aira Villegas, who won a bronze medal and was lauded as well.

Carlos taught us how great men are made, not just born — with years of blood, sweat and tears in pursuit of their dream. Carlos, in an online interview when he was just 12 years old, revealed his young heart’s determination to win medals in national competitions, and his tenacity to bounce back after defeat. Yes, at that tender age, he had lost, and he was just so eager to try again. And again. And again.

The morning after his first Olympic gold, we all woke up with a golden smile on our faces. Carlos the gymnast was Carlos the Jackpot (in contrast to “Carlos the Jackal”) in my vocabulary.

In an interview with Jane Jimenez Basas of Cignal moments after his gold, Carlos, addressing the Filipino people, said, “Salamat sa puyat, sa dasal, sa effort para suportahan kami. Ingat. God bless.”

Carlos’ journey also underscored the importance of mentors and supporters.

Cynthia Carrion Norton, president of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP), was with Carlos all the way.

“Yes, absolutely,” says her nephew, Ramon Carrion. “Her faith and confidence in him from Day One — she accepted him in GAP, fighting to raise funds and mothering him. When he felt down, the encouragement (from her) was there to lift him up.”

Cynthia has thanked tycoon Manny V. Panglinan for being the “first” to support Carlos’ training in Tokyo.

What a gift it is to have someone believe in you.  My colleague Büm D. Tenorio Jr. always credits former Cabuyao Mayor Jun Alimagno for granting him a full private high school scholarship. And look at Büm now!

Your mentor or benefactor may find you in a sea of aspirants. It doesn’t hurt, too, to stand out and be noticed.

Carlos joined gymnastics classes as he learned his ABCs.

Museo Pambata’s Nina Lim- Yuson’s nephew Lope Lim, who is now with the Washington Ballet, was one of Carlos’ classmates in gymnastics class. Lope is from a well-to-do family and yet