The Philippines was gripped by collective elation and national pride when, in a display of extraordinary athleticism and grace, Carlos Yulo clinched not one, but two gold medals in the gymnastics category at the Paris Olympics last year. The dual victory sent shockwaves of joy throughout the archipelago, marking a historic and emotionally resonant milestone in Philippine sports history. Yulo, a prodigious athlete whose journey began in the most humble of settings, could not conceal his overwhelming happiness at achieving this career-defining zenith.

His father, beaming with pride, encapsulated the nation’s sentiment: “As a father, it truly makes one proud to see them achieve medals like this, especially now that it’s the Olympics. Before, it was just the ‘Batang Pinoy’ or ‘Palarong Pambansa’; then came the Asian Games. Now, the Olympics—that’s a major league. It fills us with pride because he is now competing internationally. He is determined and driven to win those medals, no matter what. That has been his dream since he was a child.”

From Malate Park to Olympic Glory

Yulo’s passion for gymnastics ignited when he was merely seven years old. His beginnings were far from the structured, high-tech environments of elite sports. It started simply as play, performing playful somersaults and aerial stunts in a park in Malate, Manila. The young boy, often found hanging from rings without any formal training or skills, quickly demonstrated a raw, innate talent.

His early development was deeply intertwined with the unwavering dedication of his mentors, notably his teacher and coach, Teacher Ezra. Even in the face of setbacks, which are inevitable in a demanding sport like gymnastics, Yulo never allowed himself to be discouraged. Instead, every challenge became fuel—a motivation to excel further.

The path Yulo chose is fraught with peril. Gymnastics, from the intense training sessions to the high-stakes competitive routines, carries an inherent risk of injury. The precise timing required for landings and dismounts is unforgiving. Yet, through sheer grit and relentless practice, Yulo has transformed himself. His movements in the air are now characterized by a breathtaking lightness and control, earning him the moniker of being an “aerial bird.”

His journey has been a source of profound inspiration, particularly to his family and teammates. His brother shared his awe: “It was my first time to see my own sibling win gold at the Olympics. Before, we just watched together. We were three of us in the gym, me, Caloy, and Eldrou, before he went to the Olympics. My grandfather always brought me along to my brothers’ training, so I saw their dedication. My brother influenced me through the tips he gave.” A teammate echoed this sentiment, praising his intense focus: “You are amazing, brother. You made every Filipino cry and we are all so proud of you.”

The Rewards of Victory and Responsible Stewardship

Yulo’s double gold performance did not just earn him global recognition; it also brought significant financial and material rewards mandated by law and granted by grateful patrons. In accordance with Republic Act 10699, signed in 2015, Yulo was entitled to a hefty Php10 million cash prize. Adding to this, the House of Representatives provided an additional Php3 million as a token of support and recognition for bringing honor to the nation.

Beyond the cash incentives, Yulo received substantial perks, including a fully-furnished, two-bedroom condominium unit in McKinley Hill, Taguig City, valued at a reported Php24 million, gifted by property giant Megaworld Corporation. Other acknowledgments included a lifetime free buffet from Vikings and various product endorsements, such as headlights and fog lights for his car from Oreo PH, and eyewear from Peculiar Eyewear.

What sets Yulo apart is not just his success, but his responsible financial stewardship. His winnings were not used solely for personal gratification. Reports indicate that Yulo utilized a significant portion of his prize money to support his family, notably purchasing a vehicle for his mother as an expression of gratitude for her unwavering support throughout his career. This gesture was not only symbolic but practical, aiming to ease the daily burdens of his family.

Furthermore, he invested cash incentives to fund his own career, covering substantial training expenses, travel, and competition costs—a necessity in a demanding sport like gymnastics. His investment in a condominium unit in Manila and Tokyo, central to his training and competition schedule, highlights his maturity and foresight in financial planning, setting an example for young athletes.

Navigating Personal and Professional Challenges

Even a champion’s life is not devoid of personal challenges. Yulo’s relationship with his mother, Angelica Yulo, while deeply affectionate, has been subject to periods of tension and misunderstanding. In August 2024, the family was plagued by an issue involving fake social media accounts impersonating Yulo, which caused considerable stress and confusion. Despite these challenges, Yulo has publicly affirmed his appreciation for his mother, as evidenced by his attendance at the PSA Athlete of the Year Awards in January 2025, where he acknowledged all those who supported him. Nonetheless, reports suggest that some familial disagreements persist, a dynamic that has drawn public and media scrutiny.

In the midst of these familial pressures, Yulo has found constant support in his long-time partner, Chloe San Jose. In a September 2024 interview with Tony Gonzaga, Chloe candidly shared the emotional toll that the family issues were taking on Carlos, noting that his loved ones were sometimes a source of distress rather than encouragement. Despite this, Chloe has remained steadfast, providing strength and hope. Their relationship, which celebrated its fifth anniversary in January 2025, is often highlighted on social media through loving messages, serving as an inspiration that love and support can prevail through difficult times.

Yulo has been open about how these personal and media scrutiny issues have caused stress and emotional hardship. Yet, with the focus of a true competitor, he has channeled these challenges into motivation, pushing him to work even harder in the gym. His willingness to be vulnerable about his personal struggles is a crucial step towards finding inner peace and stability.

The Relentless Pursuit of Excellence

Looking ahead, Carlos Yulo’s future remains exceptionally bright. In 2025, he continues his rigorous training regimen in Tokyo, Japan, a locale that offers him access to world-class facilities and high-intensity training programs guided by top-tier coaches.

In October 2025, Yulo competed at the Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia. Demonstrating his enduring talent, he qualified for the finals in both the floor exercise and the vault, disciplines where he is renowned for his spectacular execution. His performance reaffirmed his mettle and mastery against stiff global competition. Prior to this, he immersed himself in a focused two-to-three-week training camp in Japan, dedicated to upgrading his routines and perfecting his technique under the tutelage of his long-time coach, Aldrin Castañeda, and Australian coach, Alusf Nedal. Beyond the physical training, Yulo continues to hone the mental toughness that separates world-class athletes from the talented.

Yulo is not resting on his Olympic laurels. He plans to further refine his routines with the ultimate goal of securing another gold in the next Olympic cycle. Furthermore, he harbors aspirations to give back, intending to become involved in programs that mentor young athletes, providing them with the resources and opportunities to chase their own dreams.

Carlos Yulo is more than just a gymnastics champion; he is a testament to the power of resilience, dedication, and hope. His life story—a complex narrative of success, familial trials, and emotional growth—proves that an individual can rise above personal adversity to become a source of national pride and global inspiration. His disciplined management of his finances showcases a responsible athlete whose success benefits not just himself, but his entire family. With the unwavering support of Chloe and his continuous determination, Carlos Yulo is poised for an even brighter, more stable future.