Filipino gymnastics icon and Olympic gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo will not show-off in the 33rd Southeast Asian (SEA) Games, the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) confirmed, October 18.

GAP President Cynthia Carrion shared that Yulo decided to withdraw to give way to his teammates following the event’s revised rules where the host country Thailand introduced a new format limiting male gymnasts to only one apparatus in individual artistic gymnastics events.

The change greatly impacts Yulo, who is known for his versatility and consistent excellence across multiple apparatuses.

Under the new format, the SEA Games will feature only individual apparatus finals, removing both the team and individual all-around competitions.

Each country can field two male and two female gymnasts, with each athlete restricted to just one apparatus final regardless of how many they qualify for.

Notably, Yulo dominated the 2023 SEA Games in Cambodia by winning two gold medals and two silvers across multiple events.

He topped the men’s individual all-around and parallel bars, placed second in the team and still rings categories, and anchored the Philippines’ overall medal success.

With Yulo stepping aside, the spotlight shifts to Ivan Cruz, the floor exercise gold medalist, and Juancho Miguel Besana, the reigning vault champion.

Both gymnasts are expected to lead the Philippines’ campaign in Bangkok as they aim to defend their respective titles.

Meanwhile, Yulo’s younger sister Elaiza Yulo, a multiple Palarong Pambansa gold medalist, is set to join the women’s national team soon.

Despite skipping the SEA Games, Yulo remains focused on the upcoming FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia, from October 19 to 25.

He will compete alongside teammates John Ivan Cruz, Juancho Miguel Besana, and Justine Ace De Leon in the men’s lineup.

Meanwhile, Aleah Finnegan, Haylee Garcia, Elaiza Yulo, and Emma Malabuyo will represent the women’s division.

Yulo’s absence in Bangkok underscores his sportsmanship and confidence in the next generation of Filipino gymnasts poised to carry on his legacy.

Article by James Magayon