‘Excited to meet Alex Eala,’ says PSA Athlete of the Year and Filipino icon Carlos Yulo

Philippine gymnastics superstar Carlos Yulo was honored as co-winner of the prestigious Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Athlete of the Year award at the Annual Awards Night held on Monday, February 16, at the Diamond Hotel in Manila. Sharing the top accolade with rising tennis sensation Alex Eala, Yulo cemented his status as one of the country’s most accomplished and consistent athletes on the global stage.

The 26-year-old gymnast made history for the Philippines at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, by capturing two gold medals — a first for the nation in gymnastics. His remarkable achievements have not only elevated Philippine gymnastics but have also inspired a new generation of athletes to aim higher in their respective sports.

During his acceptance speech, Yulo reflected on the importance of learning from fellow athletes, revealing that he looks to Eala for insights, just as he has drawn lessons from other Filipino sporting icons, including weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, pole vaulter EJ Obiena, and boxer Nesthy Petecio.

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“I met her before the Olympics. After that, of course, she has been super busy. I’m super excited to meet her soon and get advice from her. Of course, each athlete goes through different experiences and faces different challenges,” Yulo said.

PERFECT WAY TO END HIS BIRTHDAY ✨

Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo celebrated his 26th birthday at the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards night after being honored as Co-Athlete of the Year alongside GAP Pres. Cynthia Carrion. | via Aivan Episcope/One Sports pic.twitter.com/JMOSQmxU3C

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He added, “I often ask kuya EJ, ate Hidilyn, and ate Nesthy for advice. I learn so much from them. All of our Olympians have different stories. They are really inspiring and they motivate me to train harder and work harder in life.”

Yulo’s 2025 calendar year was marked by continued dominance in the sport. At the Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in South Korea, he claimed a fourth consecutive gold medal in the floor exercise event while also adding bronze medals in parallel bars, vault, and individual all-around competitions. His exceptional form carried over to the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Indonesia, where he clinched gold in the vault, further solidifying his reputation as one of the world’s elite gymnasts.

These achievements earned Yulo his second consecutive PSA Athlete of the Year award, a testament to his consistency, dedication, and impact on Philippine sports. Speaking on the honor, he expressed hope that more Filipino athletes would continue to make their mark internationally.

“I’m just really happy and proud because a lot of Filipinos are now able to compete at the international level. I hope there would be more of us. Let us show the Filipino spirit in sports,” Yulo concluded.

Beyond the medals and accolades, Yulo remains committed to inspiring younger athletes and promoting gymnastics in the Philippines. His journey underscores the value of discipline, resilience, and mentorship, demonstrating how world-class performances are often fueled not only by talent but also by learning from others and continuously striving for improvement.

With his sights set on future international competitions, including the 2026 Asian Games and subsequent world championships, Carlos Yulo continues to represent the Philippines with excellence and determination, proving that Filipino athletes can shine on the global stage while inspiring the next generation of sports stars.

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