Japanese coach Kugimiya trains Yulo siblings in Tokyo

JAPANESE coach Munehiro Kugimiya, who trained Paris Olympic Games double gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo, conducted a short but intensive training camp for Yulo’s siblings, Karl Eldrew and Elaiza Andriel, at the famed Tokushukai Gymnastics Club in Tokyo, Japan recently.
“We have seen the potential of Eldrew and Yza in becoming top gymnasts ever since we saw them while coaching in Manila. That’s why I encouraged them to come to Tokyo and train with me,” Kugimiya said in a statement from the Japanese capital.
The coach thanked KG Management Inc. and Japanese benefactors, who preferred to remain anonymous, for supporting the overseas training camp of the Yulos, who were accompanied by junior coach Michael Sumabal.
“In this environment, we hope that both athletes can train well without any worries,” Kugimiya said of the Yulos, who have excelled in the dynamic and physically demanding sport, just like their older brother.
Karl Eldrew, 16, bagged the silver medal in the junior men’s vault event in the Pacific Rim Championships in Cali, Colombia last April. He was also awarded the all-around gold medal in the junior men’s division of the AGU Asian Junior Gymnastics Championships in Tashkent, Uzbekistan a month later.
Elaiza, 14, emerged as the most bemedalled athlete in the girls’ High School Division in the Palarong Pambansa in Cebu City last June and also won a silver medal in the junior vault event of the 19th Singapore Gymnastics Open Championships the previous month.
Providing inspiration for the Yulos during their trip was Kugimiya’s pre-arranged visit to the Tokushukai gym of Paris Olympic Games men’s all-around champion and triple gold medalist Oka Shinnosuke and Paris Olympic men’s team gold medalist Sugino Takaaki.
“This will doubly inspire Karl Eldrew and Yza to excel in performing well in the years to come as they eye to compete in the Los Angeles Summer Games in 2028,” Kugimiya said.
The Yulo siblings are set to compete in the 3rd JRC Stars Artistic Gymnastics Championships this week in Bangkok, Thailand. (Malaya)
CAPTION: YULOS IN TOKYO: Siblings Karl Eldrew Yulo (fourth from left) and sister Elaiza Andriel (right) are visited by Japanese Olympic gold medalists Oka Shinnosuke (fifth from left) and Sugino Takaaki (left) at the famed Tokushukai Gymnastics Club during their training with coach Munehiro Kugimiya (back). With them is junior coach Michael Sumabal.