The way athletes handle the postponement of the Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games can impact the direction of their careers.
Carlos Yulo, who made the jump to Japan from the Philippines and reached his dream of becoming the world's top men's gymnast, seems to have a positive outlook for his future.
The 20-year-old and his coach, Munehiro Kugimiya, focused on just the floor exercise and were "extremely happy" to earn the gold medal at the world championships in Germany last autumn.
Seeing his pupil shine was enough to bring tears to Kugimiya's eyes.
Kugimiya is an assistant professor at Teikyo University, and he also serves as the coach for the Philippines' national team.
Six years after the two came together, they finally achieved their long-sought-after success. The Japan Gymnastics Association in 2013 sent Kugimiya to the Philippines to coach the country's junior team. It was during a practice session at a national gymnasium that he saw Yulo, then 13 years old.
Because of his natural leg strength, Yulo was able to perform somersaults at a high level, but he lacked flexibility. So the young gymnast wasn't able to soundly perform simple moves like handstands.
Still, through steady physical development and his commitment to work on the basics in training, he was able to land an opportunity in 2016.
Kugimiya, who had become an assistant professor at Teikyo, suggested the athlete move to Japan to continue working on the sport and Yulo acquiesced. The two lived together and dived headfirst into training.
But Yulo wasn't able to keep up during lessons at his Japanese high school. "I was just sitting there," he said. Then he became homesick and found himself unable to concentrate at all during practice.
"He didn't have anyone his age to give him advice, and there wasn't much in his life outside of gymnastics," Kugimiya said. "I think it was tough for him."
The coach felt responsible, so he purchased a ticket home for his charge and recommended Yulo return to his country.
As the day of his departure drew closer, the two sat down together at a ramen shop near the practice facility and talked.
That's when Yulo suddenly said he wanted to stay in Japan and "do this."
His trip to Japan came at the behest of his coach, but Yulo displayed a strong desire, of his own volition, to stay. He had clearly changed.
The gymnast set his goal and was able to work toward attaining it, and that was reflected in his results. Yulo won the bronze medal at the 2018 artistic worlds, and reached the top of the mountain the next year.
In the individual floor exercise, Yulo also earned a spot at the Tokyo Games.
"After meeting coach, I've come to understand real gymnastics and he has also taught me how to carry myself as a person," Yulo said. "He's my hero."
Kugimiya's character as a coach can then be seen in his words: "I'm just here to support whatever direction he takes."
Now, with the postponement of the Olympics the occasion could be put to good use.
"I have more time to get prepared," said Yulo, looking at the upcoming Olympics with anticipation. "I can get even better."
CAPTION PIC 2
Gymnast Carlos Yulo and coach Munehiro Kugimiya, left, prepare for a training session in Setagaya Ward, Tokyo.
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