Carlos Yulo’s double gold triumph at the recent Paris Olympics has inspired many, including a 13-year-old rhythmic gymnast based in Dubai. Gabrielle Anne Opida Ramos, a ninth-grade student, is now determined to represent the Philippines on the Olympic stage someday.
Ramos, the youngest of three siblings and the daughter of overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), regularly draws motivation from the performances of top athletes.
“In my free time, I would open my social media and scroll through any performance of any gymnast in the Olympics or in any other competitions, and it prompts me to do better in every performance I do. I would like to represent the Philippines someday,” she shared in a GMA Integrated News report.
Ramos was particularly captivated by Yulo’s historic performance at the Paris Olympics, where he secured two gold medals in gymnastics. Reflecting on the event, she said, “When I was watching the live performance for gymnastics, my stress was to the top because of how intense and close the scores of the other athletes were. Once I saw Carlos Yulo score a 15 in his routine, I’ve never been so happy and proud to see an amazing team player representing the Philippines to win.”
The young gymnast credits Yulo’s success as a driving force behind her own dedication to the sport. “His feat inspired me to work harder to be strong and consistent with the movements, flexibility, and body I have,” Ramos added.
Though still early in her career, Ramos has already amassed an impressive collection of trophies and accolades. She clinched 2nd place at The Queen Cup in February and 3rd place in Gymnastika Solo Cup, the largest international gymnastics cup in the UAE. In May 2023, she further showcased her talent by winning 1st and 3rd place at the IV Stryx Sports International Rhythmic Gymnastics competition, a prestigious event recognized by the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and featuring 30 international teams. Additionally, Ramos secured 1st place at the Alem Cup UAE in December, taking home a gold medal, a trophy, and a certificate.
Ramos is the only Filipino gymnast to participate in these competitions, a fact that fuels her desire to excel. “When I first started competing, knowing I was the only Filipino gymnast, made me tell myself to do my best to not only impress my teammates, coaches, and the people in the stadium but to also do it for the Philippines,” she stated.
Born and raised in the UAE, Ramos began her journey into gymnastics at just three years old. She now trains for three hours, three times a week, honing her skills and preparing for future competitions. Her passion for gymnastics was further ignited after winning a scholarship at age 11, which allowed her to attend specialized classes and elevate her performance.
Despite her youth, Ramos has already competed against gymnasts from various nationalities and demonstrated remarkable prowess. Her achievements in Category C competitions, where she has consistently taken 1st place, highlight her potential and dedication to the sport.