While Carlos Yulo made history for the Philippines by becoming the first Filipino gymnast to reach an Olympic podium, no one was expecting that he and his mother would get into a very public dispute over money. He alleged that his mother, Angelica Yulo, withdrew money from his account without informing him and mismanaging his money. However, Angelica denied the claims and revealed that she deposited the amount at a bank in Manila. She also stated that she received money on her son’s behalf.

But on Aug 6, Yulo released a TikTok video asking his mother where his past prize money had gone. Additionally, fans got to know that Angelica was not happy with Yulo’s relationship with his girlfriend, Chloe San Jose. The gymnast said in the video that San Jose was not a ‘red flag’ and that she shouldn’t judge his girlfriend because of her clothes and liberal upbringing in Australia.

However, both sides are willing to forgive and move ahead. But after all that took place, Yulo made sure to thank someone who stood with him and motivated him to succeed. Who is it?

Well, right now, Carlos Yulo is in Japan to show his gratitude to the institutions that helped him become the gymnast he is today. He had a special plan to commemorate his day at Teikyo University, the institution responsible for availing him of a scholarship and nurturing his talent. On Yulo’s list, the next name was Tokushukai Gymnastics Club, his former training club. On a special day, he stepped into his loving gymnastics den and cherished the moment, enjoying the time among the known faces.

There, as reported by PUSH, he thanked the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines’ head Ms. Cynthia Carrion-Norton. “Ma’am Cynthia was there for all the obstacles, she was the one who really stood up as a mother to me. She took great care of me, phenomenal. I am so grateful and blessed that God introduced her to me and God introduced me to her.” [Translated by Google].

In fact, he thanked Carrion-Norton even after his Paris win. “There are many people who helped me. Ma’am Cynthia, she fought a lot of people to be able to support me. She is like a parent to me; she believes in me.” However, Cynthia Carrion-Norton’s contribution goes way back.

With a keen eye for potential, she spotted Yulo at the age of seven. At that time, tumbling around the Rizal Sports Complex was simply a fun activity for a young Carlos. However, his trajectory changed when Norton took him under her wing, aiming to refine his talent. Since then, there has been no looking back. From providing top-notch support within her means to helping him secure a spot at Adamson University for his secondary education, she has been by his side every step of the way.

Furthermore, she held her ground firmly despite facing limitations in availing Carlos Yulo a better training facility before the Paris Olympics. These efforts are bound to overwhelm someone and Yulo, coming from a humble background, went through the same. 

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The GAP president sets a better goal for Carlos Yulo!

After the Paris Olympics, Carlos Yulo went through a lot of criticism for bringing the family affair to the public. But the soft-spoken gymnast has never displayed his rage. Is that a reflection of the impact Cynthia Carrion-Norton has shed on him? Nobody can argue against that.

In fact, after last year’s World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, Yulo faced a crisis regarding his momentum. He had failed to earn big in the contests, and the loss made him think about the coaching process. But Cynthia assured him of availing him of a better training facility. 

In the Philippines, Carlos found coach Aldrin Castañeda but the cost proved to be way above the pockets of GAP. Meanwhile, Cynthia stood as the guardian angel again. She had looked for funds. “In the making of a champion, we needed a lot of funding, and I started to search for funds. Unfortunately, I did not realize that I would become a professional beggar,” she stated.

“But a beggar with style and substance, because I believe I was doing it with honesty, with confidence — because I always tell them we’re going to win a medal for them — with transparency, in pursuit of excellence.”

So when Carlos Yulo clinched two gold medals in Paris, it wasn’t just his efforts that were fruitful. His team and supporters too won.

According to the GAP president, Carlos Yulo is determined to earn the all-around medal at the LA Olympics four years from now. And he wants Norton by his side throughout this journey. After all, it is not too much to expect from someone who has been guiding him for the past 17 years, is it? Yulo has already set his sights firmly on this goal.