‘This comeback is personal’: Filipino icon Carlos Yulo reflects on his winning return at the 2025 Asian Championships

Philippine gymnastics icon Carlos Yulo enjoyed a successful return to the mat in his first international competition since making history for the Philippines at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France.

Yulo competed in the 2025 Senior Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Jecheon, South Korea, and marked his return by racking up medals for Team Philippines—securing one gold and three bronze medals across the events he participated in. Notably, the gold medal came in the floor exercise, while the three bronze medals came in the individual all-around, vault, and another individual event, respectively.

This marked a strong return to international competition for Yulo, as he managed to remain competitive despite limited training and showed no signs of rust on the floor.

The 25-year-old recently took to Instagram to express his gratitude for the opportunity to compete once again.

“This is my first competition since the Olympics, 10 months ago. A lot can happen in that kind of silence—so does growth. All I prayed for coming into this competition was just to be healthy, steady, and get through it safely, but God gave me so much more than I ever wished for,” Yulo wrote.

WELCOME HOME, CHAMP

Two-time Olympic champion Carlos Yulo is back in the Philippines after his stint in the 12th Senior Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in South Korea.

Yulo bagged one gold medal and three bronze medals in the tournament.

Photograph courtesy of PSC. pic.twitter.com/kN4gbFfUIf

— Daily Tribune Sports (@TribuneSportsPh) June 13, 2025

“I’m grateful for the chance to move again, to compete with my passion for gymnastics, and to carry every lesson from the past year(s) with me. This comeback is personal—it’s only by grace, and with faith, patience, and the right people around you, everything finds its way back.

The journey wasn’t easy, mentally and physically. I’m really thankful to my coaches: Coach Aldrin, Coach Nedal, and Ma’am Bethel, to my teammates, and everyone who’s been in my corner—thank you so much. Your support carried me. To everyone who supported me through the quiet season, to God be all the glory. We are back.”

Following his strong showing in South Korea, Yulo does not plan to rest. He is expected to join fellow members of the Philippine gymnastics team in a training camp as part of their preparations for the upcoming World Championships, scheduled to take place from October 19 to 25 in Jakarta, Indonesia.

Yulo has consistently stated that he aims to defend his titles at the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, which remains his top priority and a goal he continues to work toward.

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