NAGOYA — After the Philippines Gymnastics Team opened its Asian Games campaign, Gymnastics Association of the Philippines President Cynthia Carrion will have to fly home due to the passing of her husband.
Carrion shared this development with Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) Media right before the men's artistic gymnastics team — led by double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo and FIG World Cup gold medalist Eldrew Yulo — began the qualifications at the Nagoya City General Gymnasium Rainbow Hall.
"My fellow colleagues in sports, if you don't see me, I'm out. I'm going home today," an emotional and tearful Carrion told POC Media.
"I am supposed to be here all the time for my athletes, but I cannot because my husband just died today with cancer, so I'm flying back tonight," the GAP chief added.
Carrion has always been present for her gymnasts during competitions, cheering them on and raising inquiries on their results when needed.
The GAP chief has also been in Nagoya, Japan, ahead of the continental meet to support both the men's and women's artistic gymnastics teams.
Even if she will no longer be personally there for her athletes, Carrion is leaving with high hopes that they will find success even without her.
"My heart is with all my athletes and I wish them all luck to win a medal for me. Thank you so much," she said.
The Yulo brothers, SEA Games gold medalist Miguel Besana, SEA Games bronze medalist Justine Ace De Leon, and Zachary Nunez competed in Subdivision 1 of the men's qualifications earlier this morning.