OLYMPIC double gold medalist Carlos Yulo has revealed plans to design and perfect his new routines through rigorous training and performances at international camps, which he intends to begin immediately.
These efforts are aimed at preparing for high-profile competitions, including the Asian Championships, World Championships, and Southeast Asian Games in 2025.
“Gumagawa na po ako ng sariling routines ko, nagbago po kasi rules ng world gymnastics. Nagde-design po ako for long training camp and strategize for competition. I want to experience the feel of competitions again,” Yulo shared.
Determined to elevate his performance, the 24-year-old Manila native acknowledges the need for continuous improvement to stay competitive against the world’s best gymnasts.
“For sure, sa mindset, mas lalong kailangan magsipag, knowing na ‘yung mga gymnasts sa ibang bansa, hindi sila nagpahinga. Kailangan kong matapatan ulit ‘yun. The main goal is to reach the Olympics (Los Angeles 2028) healthy and better prepared,” Yulo added.
After a triumphant performance at the Paris Olympics, where he claimed two gold medals, Yulo has returned to training following a well-deserved five-month break.
Yulo’s 2025 schedule is filled with high-stakes events, starting with the FIG Apparatus World Cup in Cottbus, Germany, from February 20 to 23. He will then compete in the 12th Senior Asian Gymnastics Championships in Jecheon, South Korea, from June 5 to 8.
The highlight of the year will be the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia, from October 19 to 25. Yulo aims to secure his third World Championship gold medal, adding to his victories in Stuttgart (2019, men’s floor exercise) and Kitakyushu (2021, vault).
The year will conclude with the 33rd Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, scheduled from Dec. 9 to 20.
As Yulo sets his sights on defending his Olympic titles at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, he also hopes to see other Philippine gymnasts, including his younger brother Karl Eldrew, rise to international prominence.
“Hoping po kami na umabot po kami sa gano’ng point. Sana mabigyan din po sila ng opportunity na makapag-training sa iba’t ibang countries, ng makita din po nila ‘yung iba’t ibang kultura ng sports, ‘yung spirit ng pagiging atleta,” Yulo said.
