Karl Eldrew Yulo receives a special citation in gymnastics from the Philippine Sportswriters Association. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net
Karl Eldrew Yulo is ready to take center stage—and he’s embracing the pressure that comes with it.
“I hope I can make a good performance because I want to be one of the best junior gymnasts in the world,” said the 16-year-old gymnast, who will lead the Philippine campaign at the 3rd Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships from Nov. 20 to Nov. 24 at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.
This will be Yulo’s first and only appearance at the world juniors—and he’s determined to make it count.
“It’s going to be my first and last time competing in the world juniors and in the Philippines,” he said. “Next year I’ll be in the seniors, so there’s a little pressure.”
The younger brother of Paris Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo, Eldrew has spent the past month training in Nagoya under Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya to fine-tune his routines. Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion, who joined him during training, has high hopes—but is tempering expectations.
“I won’t put pressure on Eldrew. I’d be happy if he wins a silver,” Carrion said.
Yulo and Carrion were the guests in Tuesday’s Philippine Sportswriters Association forum at Rizal Memorial Sports Complex conference room.
The Philippines won the hosting rights to the event during the International Gymnastics Federation Congress in Doha last year, beating out European contenders. Carrion credited the elder Yulo’s Olympic success for tipping the decision in the country’s favor.
Alongside Yulo, US-based Elisabeth Antone, a bronze medalist in the Asian juniors, will represent the Philippines in the girls’ division. Due to qualification rules, only the top 36 nations from the last edition in Turkiye are allowed full teams—limiting the host to one male and one female athlete.
Still, Carrion is banking on Filipino fans to boost their spirits.
“Our fans are so inspiring. We expect them to root hard for both Yulo and Antone,” she said.
After the world juniors, Karl will return to Japan to resume training with Kugimiya, targeting a bigger dream: the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
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“It would be fantastic for us Filipinos if Karl can pull this off,” Carrion said.