Gymnastics chief Cynthia Carrion to leave Asian Games after husband's passing

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion will be leaving the Asian Games in Japan amid her athletes’ campaign after her husband died on Monday due to cancer.

Carrion shared the news with the POC media present at the Nagoya General Gymnasium in Japan, just as the Philippine team, led by brothers Carlos and Eldrew Yulo, opened its campaign in the qualification round.

"My fellow colleagues in sports, if you don't see me, I'm out. I'm going home today. 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," Carrion said.

"My heart is with all my athletes and I wish them all luck to win a medal for me. Thank you so much."

Carrion, who has been a key figure in Philippine gymnastics, had been in Japan to support the national team throughout its Asian Games campaign.

Despite having to leave the competition, she made it clear that her athletes remained on her mind as they began their quest for medals in Nagoya.

The Philippine gymnastics team is led by two-time Olympic gold medalist Yulo and his younger brother Eldrew, who is making his Asian Games debut.

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Also in the men's team are Miguel Besana, Ace De Leon, and Zachary Nuñez while making up the women's team are Levi Ruivivar, Chiara Andrew, Haylee Garcia, Kylee Kvamme, and Lauren Supnet.

—Bea Micaller/JMB, GMA News