Filipino icon Carlos Yulo to compete in only one event at the 2025 SEA Games in Bangkok

Philippine gymnastics icon Carlos Yulo has further cemented his status as arguably the greatest athlete in the country’s sporting history, following his medal-winning run at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Now, the two-time Olympian is preparing for another major challenge as he looks ahead to the 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Bangkok, Thailand.

However, Yulo will only compete in one event at the 2025 SEA Games due to new restrictions set by the organizers.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion confirmed the development, revealing that Yulo is expected to defend his crown in the men’s parallel bars—an event he dominated in previous editions of the SEA Games.

“Maybe in the parallel bars again to defend the crown, but the coaches and I will first evaluate which event he will join. They want Carlos to be there, so we will bring him there,” Carrion said.

Organizers of the 2025 SEA Games removed the men’s and women’s individual all-around and team events. Under the new rules, gymnasts are allowed to compete in up to three apparatuses, but if they qualify for multiple finals, they must select their specialty event.

SEA GAMES MEN’S GYMNASTICS:

WATCH: Philippines’ Carlos Yulo nets 14.150 points for this impeccable routine in the still rings. #SEAGames32 #Cambodia2023 pic.twitter.com/vzeIh1Yz3Y

— Rappler (@rapplerdotcom) May 8, 2023

“As of now, we cannot announce which apparatus he will compete in, but it could be parallel bars. We just have to figure it out. All I can say is the Thais would really love to see Carlos, and we will bring him there. But the funny thing is they will just see Carlos in one event,” Carrion added.

Yulo’s younger sister, Elaiz Yulo, is also set to compete for the Philippines at the SEA Games 2025. Carrion shared that she is making strong progress in training following an ankle injury, saying, “She is doing very well in training after her ankle sprain. I believe she will do better there in December.”

At the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia, Carlos Yulo showcased his dominance by winning two gold medals (men’s individual all-around and parallel bars), while also earning silver medals in the still rings and team event.

Before turning his attention to Bangkok, Yulo will first compete at the 2025 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jakarta, which runs from October 19 to 25. This event will serve as a critical test before the SEA Games, as the Filipino gymnastics star continues to solidify his legacy on the world stage.

OKBET is Asia’s most trusted and popular online sports gaming platform. Visit us on OKBET to stay up to date with all sports news from around the world.