Allen Aldrin Castañeda, the coach of double gold medalist Carlos Yulo at the 2024 Paris Olympics, receives a hero's welcome in his hometown of Cebu City.
Also known as the “Golden Coach”, Castañeda was cordially welcomed just in time for the celebration of “National Heroes Day” in Barangay Hipodromo.
Small town to big-time
Hipodromo's barangay captain, Ruperto Bacolod, organized a motorcade and welcome-home event for Castan?eda, who traveled from Manila to celebrate his role in Yulo's victory with his fellow villagers.
Hipodromo is a town well-known for horse racing in World War II. With Yulo's victory, it has become known as his coach's city. In addition, Castaneda received some prizes in part of Yulo's recognition in Paris.
While Japanese coach Munehiro "Mune" Kugimiya deserves much of the credit for shaping Yulo into a world-class athlete, it was under Castaneda's coaching that Yulo made Olympic history by winning not one, but two gold medals for the Philippines.
Proud son of the town
Castan?eda said he was in awe of the love, admiration, and support he received from Barangay Hipodromo's citizens, particularly his neighbors.
Together with Carlos Yulo, he promised to perform to the best of his abilities in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics to restore pride to Barangay Hipodromo, Cebu, and the entire nation.
He also disclosed that they were already getting preparations for the Southeast Asian Games in 2025.
