FILIPINO Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo said he only prayed to stay healthy and finish safely in his return to competition, but what unfolded at the 12th Senior Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships on Sunday, June 8, in Jecheon, South Korea, exceeded all his expectations.
Returning to the mat for the first time since his Olympic triumph in Paris 10 months ago, the 25-year-old gymnast struck gold in the floor exercise and added three bronze medals to his haul—two in the vault and parallel bars finals, and another in the all-around event.
"My first competition since the Olympics, 10 months ago. Sa ganung panahon, ang daming puwedeng mangyari—and pinag-dasal ko lang po para sa kompetisyong ito ay manatiling malusog, kalmado, at makaraos nang ligtas pero ang ibinigay sa akin ng Diyos ay higit pa sa anumang hinihiling ko (My first competition since the Olympics, 10 months ago. So much can happen in that span of time—and all I prayed for in this competition was to stay healthy, calm, and finish safely… but what God gave me was more than anything I could have asked for)," he wrote on social media.
Yulo marked his triumphant return to international competition not just with medals, but with deep gratitude and renewed passion for the sport that has shaped his life.
"Lubos ang pasasalamat ko na muli akong nakalaban, at naipadama ulit ang pagmamahal ko sa gymnastics (I’m deeply grateful to be able to compete again and express my love for gymnastics)," Yulo shared in a heartfelt social media post. "Bitbit ko ang lahat ng aral ng nakaraang mga taon sa pagbabalik na ito (I carried with me all the lessons of the past years in this comeback)."
The 25-year-old gymnast acknowledged that the road back was far from easy—mentally and physically—but credited his progress to faith, patience, and the unwavering support of those around him.
He thanked Coach Aldrin and Nedal, Ma'am Bethel, Kuya Josh, his entire team, and everyone who stood by him in silence during the tough times.
"Ang suporta ninyo ang naging lakas ko (Your support became my strength)," Yulo added.
He also extended his appreciation to fans and supporters who continued to believe in him, even during his time away from the spotlight.
"Para sa lahat ng sumuporta kahit hindi ako nakikita sa entablado, sa Diyos ang lahat ng papuri (To everyone who supported me even when I was no longer on stage, all praise and glory goes to God)," he concluded.
Yulo will head to Japan for a training camp, joining fellow members of the Philippine gymnastics team as they prepare for the World Championships set for October 19–25 in Jakarta, Indonesia.