GYMNASTICS is all the rage now thanks to Carlos Yulo's double gold in the Paris Olympics.
But before the sport became the apple of Filipinos' eyes, one organization has been standing behind gymnasts for over 40 years.
READ: Grateful nation rolls out red carpet for Yulo, Olympic heroes
Club Gymnastica, established 1981, was among the first who believed in the potential of Filipino gymnasts like Yulo.
In fact, long before Yulo's decision to move to Japan, a pivotal point in his career, he once called the facility in Kapitolyo, Pasig his home for a few months when he was just starting.
“There was a time in early 2000s that the National Training Center in Rizal closed down kasi binaha, nasira ang equipment, so sila Caloy and yung group nila, we took them (in) for more than six months, let them train here for free,” said Susan Talingting, president of Club Gymnastica.
Back then, Yulo was going to the venue hand-in-hand with his lolo all the way from Leveriza, Manila. Barely 10 years old, he was already making a name for himself.
“He is a great tumbler. Tahimik na bata, laging kasama ng lolo niya. Minsan, we invite him on special events, binibigyan lang namin ng pamasahe, pagkain. Siya ang nag-e-exhibition, maraming nanonood,” said Talingting.
While softspoken, the young Yulo's work on the mats spoke volumes. He was the star student of now-Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia-based Ricardo Otero, who was then being helped out by Talingting's son Van Simon.
READ: Former PH coach marvels at Yulo rise from 'Yagit Team' to golden boy
“Hindi siya katulad ng ibang bata na nilalaro lang ang training. Hindi yan madaldal, napakatahimik, pero 'pag training, seryoso siya,” she said.
All-around obstacles that needed to be hurdled
Club Gymnastica began through the efforts of Tony Lucero, former national athlete Bea's father.
“Gusto ng dad ni Bea magkaroon siya at teammates niya ng facility to train para sa international competitions, dun kami nagsimula,” recalled Talingting.
It first opened with a ‘pilota court' in Manila Polo Club, but eventually moved to Rizal Sports Club (now Ynares Sports Arena) for a larger space.
It then linked up with Milo to begin having grassroots programs and found a new home in Brixton Street before moving again to Rosario in 2014. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic.
With that, the facility had to keep its balance amid turbulent waters, just to get the chance to witness Yulo's historic feat years later.
“Ayaw ko bumagsak ‘yung sport kaya sinikap namin na ‘wag magsarado,” Talinting said.
To get through their self-described darkest days, Talingting and her family and friends had to pay out of pocket to keep renting a 500 sqm space - keeping their doors open for several coaches counting on them for a living and, more importantly, national athletes hoping to train.
“With the help of Milo, and people behind it, hindi kami bumitiw, kahit maliit, siksikan,” she said. “We are premier, pioneering sa Pilipinas, ayaw naming magsara.”
From then 'til now
Today, Club Gymnastica still serves gymnastics from the grassroots to adult levels, while also providing gym availability.
It’s now a fully-functioning, 1500 sqm area located in United Glorietta still in Pasig that proudly serves the national team.
And it's ready and raring to serve more.
“Because of Caloy, ngayon, sobrang dumami ang inquiries namin, mapabata and adult, as old as 35, they’re asking about how to do beginner’s program,” Talingting shared.
Witnesses of the growth of gymnastics, as well as the brand new golden catalyst of the sport, Club Gymnastica is glad to have persevered through all of life's routines, no matter the degree of difficulty.
More than four decades in, they won't change anything in their journey - as long as it means helping hone the Philippines' future athletes.
“We can’t describe the feeling. It’s just bliss for us. We’re happy to be still standing here and serving,” Talingting expressed.
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