A 13-year-old Filipino rhythmic gymnast residing in the UAE, Gabrielle Anne Opida Ramos, has found inspiration in Carlos Yulo’s historic double gold win at the recent Paris Olympics. Ramos, who has already achieved success in major competitions, sees Yulo’s achievement as a driving force to push her own training and potentially represent the Philippines on the world stage.
“In my free time, I love watching gymnasts compete in the Olympics and other competitions,” Ramos shared. “It motivates me to strive for excellence in every performance. My dream is to represent the Philippines someday.”
Ramos’s passion for gymnastics is evident in her dedication to the sport. She trains for three hours, three times a week, and has competed against athletes from various nationalities. Her journey began at the age of 11 when she received a scholarship that allowed her to pursue her passion.
“When I first started competing, being the only Filipino gymnast made me want to do my best not just for my team, coaches, and the audience, but also for the Philippines,” said Ramos, who was born and raised in the UAE.
Ramos’s dedication has paid off. She has a collection of trophies and accolades to her name. In February of this year, she secured second place at The Queen Cup and third place at the Gymnastika Solo Cup, a prestigious international rhythmic gymnastics competition in the UAE. In May 2023, she achieved first and third place at the IV Stryx Sports International Rhythmic Gymnastics, an event recognized by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) that featured 30 international teams.
Her impressive achievements continued in December 2023 when she won first place at the Alem Cup UAE, earning a gold medal, a trophy, and a certificate. Ramos has also dominated Category C competitions, the beginner level, winning first place in every match.
Ramos’s admiration for Yulo’s Olympic success is palpable. “Watching Carlos Yulo’s performance live was incredibly intense,” she recalled. “The scores were so close, and the pressure was immense. When he scored a 15 in his routine, I was overjoyed. It was amazing to see a Filipino athlete representing our country and achieving such a remarkable feat. Seeing his hard work pay off made me feel incredibly proud.”
Yulo’s double gold win in the men’s floor exercise and vault events has inspired Ramos to strive for excellence. “It’s motivated me to work harder, to improve my strength, flexibility, and overall body control,” she said.
With her dedication, talent, and unwavering determination, Gabrielle Anne Opida Ramos is a rising star in the world of gymnastics. Her journey, inspired by Carlos Yulo’s Olympic triumph, is a testament to the power of dreams and the potential of Filipino athletes to shine on the global stage.