THE Carlos Yulo effect is being felt not just in the Philippines but also in other countries, in particular, in one Southeast Asian nation.
Presumably after watching Yulo win two gold medals in the Paris Olympics, Thailand decided to hire the coach considered to be responsible for Yulo's success to improve its gymnastics program.
The Gymnastics Association of Thailand announced it has signed up Yulo’s former coach Munehiro Kugimiya to advice its artistic gymnastics team, but only for a brief period. The Japanese coach has been in Thailand since Monday and will be working with the national team until August 21.
READ Former PH coach marvels at Yulo rise from 'Yagit Team' to golden boy
In a post on Facebook, the federation said: “The Gymnastics Association of Thailand has invited Mr. Munehiro Kugimiya, a Japanese coach who has developed Carlos Edriel Yulo, a two-time Olympic gold medalist in Paris, to teach and provide advice on techniques to the Thai national male artistic gymnasts from 12-21 August 2024 at the Phetkasem 81 Training Center."
LOOK:
Thailand is hosting next year's Southeast Asian Games, and Kugimiya's knowledge would certainly be an upgrade.
The Japanese coach is largely credited for Yulo’s success as his longtime coach until the two parted ways last year. Under Kugimiya’s tutelage, Yulo trained in Japan and won a collection of medals including gold in the World Championships and Asian Championships.
In the Paris Olympics, Yulo bagged titles in the floor exercise and vault, a historic moment for the Philippines as he became the first Filipino male athlete to win gold medals in the Games.
Men’s artistic gymnastics has been a Philippines and Vietnam show in Southeast Asia over the past few years, with Yulo winning nine gold medals.
Thailand, on the other hand, hasn’t won a men’s artistic gold since 2015 when Ratchawat Kaewpanya emerged triumphant in the pommel horse.
It will, hopefully, look to change that with Kugimiya imparting his knowledge in the coming days especially with Thailand hosting next year's SEA Games.
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