Carlos Yulo out to scale higher expectations

MANILA, Philippines — Expectations are definitely higher for gymnast Carlos Yulo after pulling off a historic double gold medal at last year's Paris Olympics -- the first for any Filipino Olympian.Rejuvenated after taking a well-deserved break, 'Caloy', who was feted as 'Athlete of the Year' at the 2024 Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night at the Manila Hotel's grand ballroom, said he's out to give his best to make the podium again."As an athlete, it's hard to be consistent but I will do my very best to return to the stage. I know that I will surely stumble and I will have a lot of learnings this year and I'm ready to accept them all," said Yulo."Yes (I felt replenished), I've had a lot of realizations and learnings outside gymnastics and I'm eager to return to practice and competitions. The rules and codes (in competitions) have been modified and I'm one of the many gymnasts who are adjusting."Yulo sure did not forget to express gratitude to the people who helped him become the greatest Filipino Olympian - from the Lord, his girlfriend Chloe San Jose, Gymnastics chief Cynthia Carrion, fellow Olympians, his coach Aldrin Castañeda, and the people who stayed up late at night and prayed for his success during the Paris Games."I just want to thank the Lord for all the blessings and challenges he gave me. All my struggles were worth it. I found success with my loved ones," said Yulo."To my team, my beautiful partner Chloe, thank you so much for taking care of my mental health. Ma'am Cynthia for trusting and being the first to believe in me. To my fellow Olympians I'd been with at the training camp, you really gave me a great motivation, I understand what you're going through, I'm proud of what we've achieved. "To coach Aldrin, coach Aldrin I love you, thank you for teaching me everyday, for instilling discipline, for supporting what I want, and for supporting me as an athlete. Thank you so much."As he gears up for another Olympic go at the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Yulo asks the Filipino people to pray for him again."Thank you to all the people who prayed and stayed late. All of it is worth it, please pray for us again at the 2028 Olympics. I'm Carlos Yulo and this win is our win."