Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo will not be competing in the SEA Games 2025 in Thailand, but he’s confident that the Philippine team can get it done.
He may not be competing himself, but Carlos Yulo is upbeat on the chances of Team Philippines in the upcoming Southeast Asian Games slated in Bangkok, Thailand beginning next month.
Yulo, who has 18 medals in the SEA Games, opted out of seeing action this year due to some constraints in how the event is set up.
Per hosts Thailand, gymnasts can only compete in one final in individual apparatus events, while there also won’t be any individual all-around competition.
This means that Yulo can only get two medals at most — one in the team event, and one from an individual apparatus.
Because of this, Yulo and the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines decided that he would skip this year's SEA Games after racking up medals in previous editions, including two gold medals from 2023 in Cambodia.
[RELATED: Carlos Yulo set to skip 2025 SEA Games due to rules limiting participation]
With Yulo sitting out, other Filipino gymnasts can now vie for medals in place of the double Olympic champion.
As such, Yulo is confident of Team Philippines' success in Thailand even without him.
“Para sa akin, ginagawa po nila yung best nila,” Yulo told media after the last day of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, where his brother Eldrew won two bronze medals.
“Alam kong kayang-kayang nila yun sa mga previous competition. Di man naging maganda yung mga performance nila. Pero alam ko, para sa SEA Games, nag-prepare po sila talaga ng grabihan,” he added.
[RELATED: Carlos Yulo left in awe of brother Eldrew after double bronze medals in Junior Worlds]
Among gymnasts expected to represent the Philippines are 2023 SEA Games gold medalists Ivan Cruz and Miguel Besana. Olympian Aleah Finnegan leads the bid for the women’s side.
Results aside, Yulo does hope for a safe and enjoyable bid for the Philippines in the biennial event.
More than their medal haul, the gymnast darling hopes that his teammates are able to give their best and enjoy themselves with the competition.
“Wini-wish ka lang talaga sila ng sana safe talaga lahat ng performance and trainings nila. Syempre, enjoy yung competition. Mahirap na nga po yung preparation na ginagawa nila,” he said.
“Sana enjoy po nila [yung competition] pagdating nila po,” he added.
—
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.