GAP wants Bulgaria stint for Ramilo

The Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) is looking at rhythmic gymnast Jasmine Ramilo to compete in the FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Cup from 4 to 6 April in Sofia, Bulgaria.

GAP secretary-general Rowena Bautista told DAILY TRIBUNE that they want the Italy-based Ramilo to hone her skills against more experienced gymnasts as she and Breanna Labadan are being eyed to represent the Philippines for the 2028 Los Angeles (L.A.) Olympics.

The 16-year-old Ramilo is coming off a huge win in the Olympia 74 Cup in the Bulgarian capital early this month after winning a gold medal in the hoop and two bronze in the ball and clubs.

Bautista also said entering the World Cup series will give Ramilo a chance to qualify for the FIG Rhythmic Gymnastics World Championships in Rio de Janeiro from 20 to 24 August.

“In the Paris Olympics, Beeanna didn’t get enough points to qualify while Jasmine is still competing in the juniors division,” Bautista said.

“Jasmine joining the World Cup series is significant so that she can lay the foundation for her qualification for the World Championships. This is the process we are undertaking for her to qualify for L.A. 2028.”

GAP is using the plan it used on two-time Paris Olympics gold medalist Carlos Yulo on Ramilo.

After falling short in the Tokyo Summer Games in 2021, Yulo competed in the various legs in the World Cup series to hone his skills and compete against the best gymnasts in the world.

During Yulo’s stint in the World Cup series, he faced off with Artur Davtyan of Armenia, who is considered the gold standard in the men’s vault, and always fell short against him.

But when the Paris Olympics came, Yulo came out on top after he scored 15.116 points while Davtyan settled for silver with 14.966 points.

Ramilo is currently training in Ginnastica Fabriano under Italian national women’s rhythmic gymnastics team coach Claudia Mancinelli.

Under Mancinelli, the Italians plucked a two bronze medal in the team all-around and individual all-around courtesy of Sofia Raffaeli in the Paris Summer Games.