“Hindi pa tapos ang laban”: Karl Eldrew Yulo eyes more wins after breakthrough victory

Rising Filipino gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo delivered a breakthrough performance on the international stage, capturing his first senior-level gold medal in the floor exercise at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics Apparatus World Cup Series held in Antalya, Turkey.

The 18-year-old standout topped the field with a final score of 14.100, showcasing both technical precision and composure beyond his years. He finished ahead of Ireland’s Eamon Montgomery, who secured the silver medal with a score of 13.833, and Spain’s Rayderley Zapata, an Olympic medalist, who settled for bronze after posting 13.333.

The victory marked a major milestone in Yulo’s young career, as it was his first gold medal at the senior level of the World Cup circuit—a significant step forward as he transitions from the junior ranks into elite international competition. Even more impressive was the context of his triumph: Yulo competed and prevailed despite dealing with pain in both ankles throughout the event, underscoring his grit and determination.

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Coming from one of the Philippines’ most prominent gymnastics families, Yulo continues to carve out his own path while drawing inspiration from his older brother, Carlos Yulo, a world champion and Olympian. While comparisons are inevitable, the younger Yulo is steadily building his own identity on the global stage.

Despite the breakthrough win, the teenager remains grounded and focused on continuous improvement as he prepares for the next leg of the series—the FIG World Cup Cairo 2026 in Egypt.

“Well, hindi maalis sa isip ko yung maraming sumusuporta and maraming expectations simula nung nag-gold ako. Iniisip nila kailangan tuloy-tuloy ako. Pero ang gagawin ko nilang is kung ano yung makakaya ko or kung ano yung pinaka-best ko. And kung ano man yung mangyari, proud pa rin ako sa sarili ko,” Yulo said in a media interaction.

Panalo ng gintong medalya si Pinoy gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo sa FIG World Cup sa Antalya, Turkiye. Bigo ang Pilipinas kontra Japan sa AFC Women’s Asian Cup. Nagpasalamat naman si three-time NBA champion Danny Green sa Pinoy fans. #SportsPatrol pic.twitter.com/EjxIAkqm8t

— PaPiPh50823 (@PaPiPh50823) March 15, 2026

Yulo acknowledged the growing expectations surrounding him following his gold-medal performance but emphasized his commitment to focusing on his own progress rather than external pressure.

The young gymnast also revealed that he continues to manage physical discomfort, particularly in his ankles, but remains determined to compete as the World Cup series progresses.

“May part na sumasakit din po. Pero kailangan pong ituloy kasi di pa tapos yung laban and may laban pa po. Pero ano naman siya, tawag po dito, tolerable naman yung pain. May mga part talaga na hindi, pero most of the time, tolerable naman yung pain. Kaya kinakaya naman po,” he added.

His willingness to push through adversity reflects the mindset instilled in him early in his career—one that embraces challenges as part of the journey to excellence. Yulo shared that even at the highest level of the sport, growth is a continuous process, pointing to the experiences of his older brother as an example.

“Part siya ng process po. Kahit pala Olympian ka na, may process ka pa rin talagang pagdadaanan. Na kahit nandun ka na, even ultimate si Kuya po, may mga times na pinagdadaanan din siya sa mga skills niya, na nahirapan siya sa ibang event po. Kaya kahit gaano ka kagaling, even me, may pag-aaralan at pagdadaanan pa rin po,” Yulo concluded.

Yulo is set to continue his international campaign alongside fellow Filipino gymnasts, including Southeast Asian Games gold medalist John Ivan Cruz, as well as Justine Ace De Leon and Juancho Miguel Besana. The group will represent the Philippines in Cairo from April 3 to 6, aiming to build on the country’s growing momentum in artistic gymnastics.

With his first senior gold now secured, Karl Eldrew Yulo’s emergence signals a promising future—not just for himself, but for Philippine gymnastics as a whole—as the next generation begins to rise on the world stage.

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