Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo is a household name by now, and rightfully so. He has made history and brought so much honor to our country. He has been showered with accolades and prizes, as well as endorsement deals.
One company that has been with Yulo even before his Olympic journey this year is Toyota. Yulo was selected for the Japanese carmaker’s ‘Start Your Impossible’ (SYI) campaign—one of several athletes around Southeast Asia chosen for this sports program.
Yulo and his fellow SYI delegates are designated as Dual Heroes. They don’t just compete in their sport, they also choose an advocacy that’s close to their hearts. For our gold medalist, his chosen advocacies are youth development through sports training opportunities and food security.
Last weekend, Yulo gave back to the sport he loves so much by holding a gymnastics training camp at the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) MVPSF Gym. Toyota Motor Philippines (TMP) gave its full support to the two-day activity, which saw 30 young gymnasts from Metro Manila, Davao and Cebu engage in three intensive training sessions and activities. Also present were coach Aldrin Castañeda of GAP and sports nutritionist Jeanette Aro.
“Under Toyota’s Start Your Impossible campaign, I recognize my responsibility as a Dual Hero— to not only compete and win but to uplift and mentor the next generation of athletes,” shared Yulo. “This Gymnastics Clinic we’re embarking on, along with a Nutritional Lecture, is a big step toward this mission,” he added.
TMP top management, led by president Masando Hashimoto, were present to witness the SYI program come to fruition, and to lend their support. “To our young gymnasts here today, our future champions and medalists, congratulations for completing the Toyota Start Your Impossible Gymnastics Camp. You learned from no other than the Philippines’ best gymnast! We hope you remember this experience always!” shared Hashimoto on the second day of training.
We were able to witness Yulo training the young gymnasts on Day 1. Our Olympian was happy and enthusiastic sharing his experience and skill, overseeing the drills and personally checking the exercises. It was obvious Yulo was at home on the mats and in this kind of gym.
It was also exciting to think that one of these kids was going to be a champion someday. Yulo showed what’s possible when put your heart into something. With the right support and encouragement, these youth might someday follow in his footsteps.
