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After clearing historic heights, Carlos Yulo now knows what matters most.
Carlos Yulo was at a loss for words.
Before a packed crowd at the Bercy Arena, reality had set in. Within a span of 24 hours, Carlos was now a two-time Olympic gold medalist, ruling floor exercise and vault to complete his road to redemption in Paris.
Though if Carlos is being honest, these historic highs were far from his mind as a youngster getting started at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex in Manila. Back then, his goal was simple: get better, and make sure that he belongs in the local gymnastics scene.
“Gusto ko lang po talaga gumaling, gusto ko manalo sa gymnastics, ayun lang talaga ‘yung ine-aim ko before. Syempre,bata pa po ako noon…and syempre ‘yung feeling ko noon, galing ‘yun sa batang Caloy na pinursue ‘yung dream niya,” Carlos told The GAME in a recent interview.
Today, Carlos Yulo is one of the Philippines’ biggest sporting heroes, with his Olympic golds being accompanied by titles across the World and Asian Championships, and the Southeast Asian Games.
The star gymnast also followed up his Olympic triumph with a solid 2025 run, reclaiming the World Championship for vault last October, along with a bronze in floor exercise. In the continental level, Carlos captured his fourth straight floor exercise gold at the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in South Korea.
Still, Carlos refuses to settle, knowing that gold medals and record-breaking highs are no reasons for him to be content. After all, he’s still an athlete first and foremost, one who is expected to perform at his very best under the spotlight.
“For me, it’s another different cycle po eh. Different mindset, different goals. Hindi po siya parehas kung ano ‘yung napanalunan ko before. So noong nanalo ako noong Olympics, tapos na ‘yun,” Carlos reflects.
“And I really have to make a new standard for myself and goals para sa sarili ko, and goals para sa sarili ko, kasi after ng Olympics, ang dami rin po nagbago, and I really have to cope up.”
Slowing down
Although he refuses to settle, Carlos Yulo admits that the last two years have taught him the value of slowing down. In the past, Carlos admits that a “work-life” balance was non-existent, and off-days felt like a mortal sin.
Yet through a historic stretch of his career, Carlos has found inner peace, making sure that rest days and time for self-reflection are part of his daily grind.
“Si Carlos noon medyo takot po siya magpahinga, takot matambakan ng gagawin when kailangan talaga siya magpahinga and necessary talaga,” said Carlos, who was fresh off a vacation and training camp in Korea at the time of the interview.
“Ngayon na-embrace na ni Carlos siguro ‘yung mga ganung moments, kasi dati pag sa training, binubuhos niya lahat eh. So ‘yun ‘yung ginawa ko din noong World Championship, marami din akong pahinga, marami din akong times na nakapag–isip po ako.”
As Carlos puts it, this change has allowed him to know himself better, now being someone who makes “intentional” decisions as a person and as an athlete.
“Nakakapagplano po nang maayos, and mas intentional po ‘yung bawat punta ko sa practices. I think ‘yung difference is alam niya [Carlos now] kung paano mag-on and off. Before, naka-on lang siya to the point na sasabog na siya kasi hindi na niya ma-control eh,” he said.
“So ngayon, balanced at mas mature na nagagampanan ko ‘yung pagiging atleta and ‘yung needs para sa sarili po. Mas kilala na din niya ‘yung sarili niya, at mas kaya niya na ibigay ‘yung gusto niyang gawin sa buhay.”
A more intentional approach
Carlos’ more intentional nature is fully reflected in his plans for 2026, where he plans to join at least two legs of the FIG World Cup Circuit, along with a couple of invitational tournaments across Japan, Turkey, and Paris.
Also part of his plan are the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya this September, which could be his first Asiad appearance since the 2018 edition in Jakarta.
“Pinaka–aim ko po this year is Asian Games, kasi first Asian Games ko was really bad,” said Carlos, who settled for fourth in vault, seventh in floor exercise, and eighth in the all-around final at the 2018 Asiad in Jakarta.
“Gusto kong bumawi and bigyan ‘yung sarili ko ng magandang competition. I know it’s not gonna be easy, but it’s always like that naman po. Kung ano po ‘yung ibigay ni Lord, OK na po ako.”
Carlos says that his 2026 season will be part of his plans to participate in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, with each tournament this year doubling as an avenue to assess his current form.
“Like last year, dalawa lang talaga. Nilimit ko lang din po talaga kasi nagfofocus po ako na i-align ‘yung sarili ko sa kung ano pa talagang goal ko hanggang 2028. Ngayon, concrete na siya, and may mga plans po ako na ilabas ‘yung performance ko, na i-testing po kung gagana siya o hindi,” Carlos said.
Before Carlos’ 2026 season kicks off, he’s set to receive his second straight Athlete of the Year Award from the Philippine Sportswriters Association, sharing the top plum with tennis ace Alex Eala.
Though the job’s not finished, Carlos is nonetheless grateful, knowing that his efforts remain appreciated by those around him.
“I’m just really grateful po kung ano ‘yung mga narereceive ko. Dalawang taon na po ‘yung lumipas [since Paris] and I’m still here, binibigyan pa rin po ako ng parangal. Sobrang pasasalamat po na nakikita nila ‘yung dedication and passion sa ginagawa ko.”
Images by Kim Santos/KLIQ Inc.