Up-and-coming gymnast Eldrew Yulo will be committing all his time to gymnastics training after finishing senior high school.
Eldrew Yulo is ready to commit a hundred percent to his gymnastics career after he finishes his schooling in Adamson University.
Competing in his first FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at 17 years old, Yulo is already eyeing entry into the senior competitions to join older brother Carlos in the ranks sooner rather than later.
Though still eligible to compete in the juniors for one more year, Yulo confirmed that he will move up the ranks once he wraps up his educational requirements in Adamson University.
“I’m also planning after my Senior High School, I have to focus on my gymnastics here and learn Nihongo so I can speak with [my coaches] properly.” Yulo told the media during the first day of the World Championships at Marriott Grand Ballroom.
“So I have to focus on myself and my career first. So iniingatan ko po 'yung sarili ko as much as possible.”
Even if this is his first and last competition in the junior worlds, he does have a good chance of making his mark before entering the next level of his career, having qualified to four finals in the world championships.
[READ:
Karl Eldrew Yulo qualifies for four finals in Gymnastics Junior World Championships]
Making the whole experience more thrilling for him is to have his family’s support and the whole hometown crowd rallying behind him.
For Yulo, it’s one of the goals he hopes to replicate later on when he qualifies for more competitions.
“Sobrang saya ko kasi 'yung kasi nung una, si Kuya sa 2019 SEA Games, nangyari din 'yun, sinupportahan din namin siya. Ako naman ang next,” said Yulo, who also had his parents and other siblings watching.
“Sa susunod, sila naman 'yung dadalin ko sa mga competitions ko sa ibang bansa. Mag-iipon pa po ako, well although magastos, pero, gusto ko po magipon,” he added.
Staying steady
With the hopes of the country resting on his shoulders in the finals, Yulo said that he simply hopes to focus on what he can control.
“Kinakabahan ako kasi this is my first time, and ayun, [sinasabi] lang po [ng coach] ko kung ano 'yung tinraining namin,” he said.
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Yulo returns to action first on Saturday, November 22, for the men’s all-around final still in Newport, Pasay.
He then competes in three more apparatus finals on Sunday and Monday.
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Luisa Morales is a sports writer with a special interest in promoting women’s sports.
Her coverage highlights include the UAAP, PVL, Southeast Asian Games, and the FIBA World Cup. She also follows Alex Eala, the Philippine women’s national football team, and mixed martial arts.