Yulo wins Asian Games floor gold, redeems 2018 setback

Philippines gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo described capturing the Asian Games floor exercise title on Thursday as reminiscent of an Olympic victory, carrying added weight as it marked his comeback from the disappointment of Jakarta 2018.

Mr. Yulo, the only Filipino to win two Olympic gold medals, added another major title to his collection with a score of 14.666. He narrowly defeated Kazakh gymnast Milad Karimi, who took silver, and Japan’s Shoma Tsukiyama, who claimed bronze, in a tightly contested podium finish.

Overcoming 2018 setback

This victory came eight years after Mr. Yulo missed out on a medal in his only previous Asian Games appearance in Indonesia. Despite being the top qualifier for the floor final, he fell during a tumbling pass and finished seventh.

“I made mistakes in my routine back then.

“Similarly, at the Tokyo Olympics, things didn’t go well,” added Mr. Yulo, who failed to qualify for the floor final at those Games.

Rise to championship

Since those early setbacks, Mr. Yulo has become his nation’s first Olympic gymnastics champion. He secured the floor title at Paris 2024 and later added a second gold in vault.

Mr. Yulo views the Asian Games gold as another step toward defending his titles at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. His focus remains on maintaining his health and enjoying his sport.

“I’m preparing now.

“When the time comes, I hope to stay safe, enjoy the moment, and appreciate it fully.”

Mr. Yulo’s 18-year-old brother, Karl Eldrew, also qualified for the Nagoya final but finished seventh after an early mistake in his routine.

It’s all part of the journey,” Carlos said.

Celebrity and support

The Japan-trained gymnast has become a celebrity in the Philippines, drawing crowds wherever he goes. His fame rivals that of the nation’s top women’s tennis player, Alex Eala, who will compete for Asian Games gold next week.

“I’m confident she’ll excel,” said Mr. Yulo, offering his best wishes to the 21-year-old.