You and me against the world: That’s what defines this strong couple. It’s never easy when the world stands against you. Even more so when your family also is reluctant to see things your way. But Filipino history-making gymnast Carlos Yulo is hanging in there with his girlfriend, Chloe San Jose who has been like a rock by his side.

San Jose and Yulo both have had a difficult childhood, the imprints of which have certainly proved to be a damper after becoming only the second Philippine athlete to become an Olympic champion. Just three days after his Olympic gold wins, Yulo posted a lengthy TikTok video reiterating the allegations of his mother Angelica withdrawing prize money he had won without full disclosure. It didn’t take too long for this to catch media attention, and eventually, Yulo did, in fact, say that his rift with his mother began since Anglica wouldn’t approve of his San Jose. And for what? Well, he claimed that his mother “judged” San Jose for how she “acts and dresses” and said San Jose would use Yulo for his money.

The 24-year-old gymnast defended San Jose, stating she grew up in a different culture in Australia and denied all financial allegations against her, but he did pray for his strained relationship to heal. And that’s how the world was introduced to San Jose. On October 6, Chloe attempted to come out in her defense as she sat for an interview at the Toni Gonzaga Studio.

“It just so happens that Carlos is a national athlete, and we are always together. So people accuse me of wanting the spotlight of Calos. They thought that I want it for myself which is not true at all. I’m just there to support,” she can be heard saying in the YouTube upload.

Chloe was then asked what gives them the power to turn a blind eye toward the outside world. “We choose what to share online. So, all of our best moments are all in private. So, what they see online is limited because that’s what we want to share.

“And also, we pray together. Every night and every morning when we wake up. We are immediately grateful that the Lord woke us up today… I just look at him. It’s as if the noise is filtered once I look at him straight in the eyes,” she said with a proud and sincere smile on her face.

“We would lie down, or sit down, we would hold hands and we’d just pray. And we always have frequency music. Healing music that we would play even if we’re just at home doing nothing. It’s just playing in the background.”

Probably it was this promise of finding a suitable life partner that ensured that San Jose remained unwavering in her relentless battle even when everything looked bleak.

Chloe San Jose had to leave home when she was just 16

In the same interview, the Olympic champ’s girlfriend talked about the strenuous relationship she has with her folks and how she had to leave her home because of that. Revealing that she was just 16 when she had to make the difficult decision, San Jose said the troubles at home made her take up an interest in school and pursue her studies.

“I really liked going to school. If I go to school, it means that I don’t have to spend time at home. So even on Saturdays. All the extracurricular activities, I wanted to do. So I won’t stay at home,” she stated grimly. And yet, that couldn’t help but avoid the tension that was brewing within her home.

Carlos Yulos’ amour had to leave home after a heated debate at home one day. “I went up to my room and decided to hide there. But they followed me to my room and kept on triggering me. I felt triggered then I packed my things into my backpack,” she said. While she had to go through the nerve-wracking experience herself, Yulo’s life was no rainbows either. After Yulo’s Parisian triumph, the world was aghast to learn about the feud between the gymnast and his mother involving his financial situation.

“Apart from the incentives, my mom also had access to my bank account and my monthly allowances for gymnastics. When I finally got control of that bank account, I found out she had been draining it,” Yulo dropped the bomb and the country’s business tycoon Chavit Singson had to step in with his voice to help the family find a peaceful solution. While the feud still rages on, Yulo’s mom also sold his childhood home, adding fire to the controversy. When do you think the couple will find some respite? Drop by with a comment!