NAGOYA, Japan, Sept 24 (Reuters) – Philippines gymnast Carlos Yulo said winning the Asian Games floor exercise gold on Thursday felt like another Olympic triumph as he put the disappointment of Jakarta 2018 behind him.
Yulo, the Philippines’ only two-time Olympic gold medallist, scored 14.666 at the Nagoya City General Gymnasium to edge Kazakhstan’s Milad Karimi, who took silver with 14.600. Japan’s Shoma Tsukiyama claimed bronze with 14.566.
The victory came eight years after Yulo missed out on a medal at his only previous Asian Games in Indonesia, where he fell during a tumbling pass and finished seventh despite entering the floor final as the top qualifier.
“This medal, it’s like winning the Olympics, also because it’s kind of the same back when I was 18 years old, at the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games,” the 26-year-old said.
“I kind of messed up my routine there. I was a finalist on floor and vault, but it wasn’t really a good performance.
“And at the same time in Tokyo Olympics, it’s kind of the same. It was really messed up,” added Yulo, who failed to qualify for the floor final at the Tokyo Games.
“It’s really a good story, and I feel like I redeemed it in this competition.”
Road to Los Angeles Olympics
Yulo has since established himself as one of the world’s leading gymnasts, becoming the Philippines’ first Olympic gymnastics champion when he won the floor exercise title at Paris 2024 before adding gold in the vault.
The Asian Games title is another step towards his goal of defending both Olympic titles at the 2028 Los Angeles Games, although Yulo said his immediate priority was staying healthy and enjoying competition.
“That’s a big one, and I feel like there’s still a lot of time,” he said of Los Angeles.
“I’m preparing myself right now. This competition is part of it also, and I’m building my confidence also through these competitions.
“I know when the time comes when we are there, I just pray that I’m safe, and I enjoy that moment and I appreciate that moment.”
Yulo’s 18-year-old brother Karl Eldrew also reached the floor final but finished seventh among eight competitors after a poor landing early in his routine.
Carlos said his younger brother could use the setback as part of his development.
“He’s having a hard time, maybe, and I know that he will overcome this and take it as a lesson. It’s part of the journey,” he said.
Yulo’s popularity has grown significantly in the Philippines, where his appearances regularly draw large crowds. He also offered his support to the country’s leading women’s tennis player, Alex Eala, who will compete for Asian Games gold next week.
“I know she’s going to smash it,” Yulo said, wishing the 21-year-old well.
“I know she can do it, really. And I’m just really excited for other athletes also to compete and give their best.”
