Separating on Bitter Terms, Carlos Yulo’s Improving Relationship With Japanese Coach Excites Fans: ‘Still Has the Heart’

The relationship between Carlos Yulo and his longtime coach Munehiro Kugimiya started to show cracks after Yulo’s less-than-stellar performance at last year’s World Artistic Gymnastics Championships. Despite being a favorite, the Filipino gymnast came up short in the Olympic qualifiers. Then, Yulo’s decision to hop from country to country for training after the Championships didn’t help. It seemed like the bond between Yulo and Kugimiya was heading for a split, especially when Yulo joined Filipino coach Allen Aldrin Castañeda just before the Paris Olympics. But it turns out the connection wasn’t so easy for Kugimiya to let go of.

Over the years, Kugimiya had his intense moments with Yulo during their grueling training sessions, but he always knew how to soften the blow. After a tough practice, Kugimiya would swing by with ramen to ease the pain. In one instance, he even offered Yulo a ticket home to the Philippines when he noticed the teen struggling. Yulo was just 16 then, but he chose to stay and push through, laser-focused on his Olympic dream. That’s how it went for seven long years in Japan. But somewhere along the way, things shifted.

In an interview, Yulo confessed, “I feel like I’ve outgrown our relationship.” Ouch. But what did Kugimiya have to say about it? The coach reminded him of a promise they’d made: “When the Tokyo Olympics was over, Carlos and I vowed together that if we won gold in Paris, we would bring our gold medals to greet all those who have helped us,” Kugimiya made it clear—despite their falling out, Yulo should still honor that promise. And in true Yulo fashion, the two-time Olympic champ did just that.

In his recent Japan tour, Carlos Yulo visited the gymnastics schools and Teikyo Senior High School, as he had promised once. That should count as the melting of the ice between them. And now the coach has contributed to doing this together. According to KG Management’s Facebook post, Munehiro Kugimiya accepted Yulo’s siblings (Eldrew and Elaiza) as his students. They are already having training under him in the Japanese facility.

That gesture has made the fans cherish the lovely moment. In the stated Facebook post, one fan commented, “Thank you coach Munehiro Kugimiya. Despite the fall out with Caloy. You still have the heart to help Filipino athletes. We the Filipino people would like to tell you how much we appreciate your belief and dedication to our athletes.” Would that work as the medicine on the burn? A relevant question!

Last year, in October, Carlos Yulo announced parting ways with Kugimiya. That came as a blow to gymnastics fans. They failed to decode the reasons behind it. In the seven years of their journey together, Yulo and Munehiro had unbelievable success on the mat as the student and coach. In the duration, Yulo snagged two world championship golds (2019 and 2021). Meanwhile, by a margin of 0.017 points, he narrowly missed the medal in the vault event at the Tokyo Olympics. But he came stronger in the Asian Championships, winning golds in the individual events. Yet, in a critical moment, they ended the association. No one knows the exact reasons. But now the fans seemed relieved after watching the latest updates. 

Carlos Yulo’s fans welcome the Japanese master in his fresh yet usual role 

After the disassociation with Carlos Yulo, Munehiro Kugimiya had the offer to join the mentorship role under the Gymnastics Association of Thailand. The 39-year-old coach served the role till the last week of August as per the contract. However, after that, he returned to his usual coaching setup in Japan. He is currently in charge of the continuing Japanese training camp, which is funded by several Japanese businesses. Both Eldrew and Elaiza have joined the camp as trainees. Their mother, Angelica Yulo, has already confirmed the news. 

Additionally, the two may be considered for the LA Olympics, as announced by Cynthia Carrion-Norton, president of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP).. From that perspective, their appearance in Japan can be the initial stage on that route. Pointing to that, a fan chimed in, “Wow ! Another 2 Yulo’s gold medalist! I believe God will help you achieve those goals and gold  too!” Notably, Carlos Yulo has displayed his yearning to defend his titles in the next Olympics.

So, chances are there to see the trio together in LA. Now, Munehiro’s entry into the scene has made things more magical. He can set things in place as he did for Carlos Yulo once. That chance has made fans thankful already. One such follower displayed his gratitude by commenting, “Thank u, coach, for supporting eldrew and Elaiza.”

Another fan put in, “I love this  Coach Mune the Coach of champions.” The shower of praise over the coach seems usual because of his coaching resume. Under his tutelage, Carlos earned the tag of a potential candidate to win the Olympics. Now, his siblings are on the same route. In fact, in Japan, Carlos had the necessary training to register his chances in the global field.

Now, Eldrew and Elaiza are on the same walk. That led to another fan pen, “God bless you always Eldrew and Elaiza and Coaches. Enjoy your stay in Japan.” Both youngsters already have a lot of national medals in their cabinets. But now they are on the brink of filling in the seniors’ shoes. Would this journey be as successful as once it had been for their elder brother? What do you think? Let us know in the comments!