What's next for Carlos Yulo after his historic Olympics win?

Pinoy gymnast champion Carlos Yulo finally returned to the Philippines on August 13 after clinching two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. In his interview on "Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho," the 24-year-old Olympic medalist expressed his gratitude to those who helped him throughout his journey.

"I wasn't left alone. Ma'am Cynthia and everyone really supported me. They took care of my well-being and mental health," Carlos said.

Carlos ruled the men's floor exercise and vault, becoming the first male Filipino athlete to secure a gold and the first Filipino gymnast of any gender to win a medal. He also made history as the first Filipino Olympian to earn two gold medals.

"Winning the second gold in the vault finals was truly unexpected," he said.

"I was more relaxed by then. Winning the gold on the floor likely helped me release all the stress and nerves. I just enjoyed the moment. The second medal was a real bonus," he added.

In the 1924 Summer Olympics, the Philippines made history as the first country in Southeast Asia to participate in the tournament, which was also held in Paris, France. In 2020, Carlos also participated in the Tokyo Olympics but fell short of winning any medals.

"What happened in Tokyo was really painful. He finished in 4th place. If only he had gotten a bronze, that would have been okay," his father, Andrew Yulo, said.

Before becoming the Olympic champion he is today, little Caloy began tumbling whenever he could as a kid. His grandfather, Rodrigo Frisco, recalled that the seven-year-old Carlos started practicing gymnastics with his friends at a park in Manila.

"Team Philippines took notice of him. They said, 'Take him to gymnastics; he might get discovered.' They even showed me the building," he said.

"I took him there and spoke with the Secretary General. I said, 'Sir, this boy wants to train in gymnastics. He hasn't had any formal training but already knows many skills.' Caloy demonstrated his tumbling skills, and the Secretary General was impressed."

Out of Carlos' old competition photos, Lolo Rodrigo said that his favorite is the one taken during the 1st Sagisag Cup, where his grandson won a gold medal.

Carlos' elementary teacher, Ezra Canlas, is also proud of her former student's achievements. She was Carlos' companion when he took on his first-ever gymnastics competition in 2008.

"Even as a child, you could see he had potential because he was so focused. His goal was always to win," she said.

One of the strong foundations of Carlos' win is the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines President Cynthia Carrion, who has been a steadfast supporter and mentor throughout his sports career.

In 2019, she confidently told Jessica Soho in an interview, "Mark my words, he will get the gold."

"From the time he was small, I spotted him already. He was very, very good, very dedicated," she said.

So when Carlos finally became an Olympic champion, "We hugged each other. It was so touching."

"The one thing that I prayed for is that he doesn't get injured, 'cause once you get injured, it's very hard," Carrion added.

Carlos was also supported by his occupational therapist, Coach Hazel Calawod, and gymnastics coach, Coach Aldrin Castañeda.

"I got goosebumps hearing our national anthem. I'm really proud! We support him in everything—it's for our country," Coach Aldrin said.

In 2016, Carlos flew to Japan and trained with his Japanese coach, Munehiro Kugimiya.

Winning two Olympic gold medals in Paris is just the start of Yulo's next journey.

"Of course, we'll make a new plan for the next Olympic cycle. Of course, it's not just going to end here. I still have goals for the next cycle, and I'll focus on achieving them."

The shift in how Filipinos perceive and practice sports, according to Philippine sports historian Mico Perez, was brought by the arrival of the Americans in the country.

"This type of physical culture was a hallmark of civilization. When the Americans arrived, they told Filipino leaders, 'Your population does not play sports. Your population is not healthy.'"

"And now, fast forward more than a century later, a Filipino is the best in the world. That's the significance and depth of Carlos Yulo's victory."

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