Who is Edriel Carlos Yulo? Philippine Gymnast to Win First Olympic Gold Medal for the Country in Men’s Gymnastics

Edriel Carlos Yulo has etched his name in the Olympic history books. Representing the Philippines, Yulo won a gold medal in men’s artistic gymnastics just a few minutes ago. This makes him the first-ever Philippines gymnast to bring home the gold medal for his country. Participating in the men’s floor final today, Yulo looked flawless. Striking a balance of power and elegance, the Philippines gymnast managed to edge out Isarel’s A.Dolgopyat and Great Britain’s J.Jarman. 

While the competition seemed to be very tough, it was Yulo who kept his cool. While the second and third-placed Dolgopyat and Jarman notched up 14.966 and 14.933, Yulo looked invincible at 15.000. While this is surely a feat to remember for both the Philippines and Yulo, the 24-year-old has always been a sublime performer. Perched at the pinnacle of gymnastics greatness at the moment, here’s everything you need to know about Edriel Carlos Yulo. 

Meet Filipino Gymnastics star Edriel Carlos Yulo

Edriel Carlos Yulo was born on February 16, 2000 in Malate, Manila. His parents, Angelica Yulo and Mark Andrew Yulo were a homemaker and a travel agent liaison, respectively. Second of four siblings, Edriel, along with Karl and Elaiza decided to pursue gymnastics. Inclined towards gymnastics from the young age of seven, Edriel’s skills were initially spotted by his grandfather. 

Spotted tumbling at a nearby ground, his grandfather, Rodrigo Frisco, took him to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines to get him registered. Edriel soon began to bloom under the able guidance of the coaches at GAP. By 2016, the Japan Olympic Association offered a scholarship to Edriel to train in Japan, which he readily accepted. He completed his graduation in literature from the Teikyo University in Japan. 

Well, Edriel never really looked back after that. Attaining his elite status soon, the Philippines gymnast began to establish his reign of dominance in the Southeast Asian Games, World Championships, and now the Olympics. Having missed out on an Olympic medal four years back and faltering at the Worlds, it is Edriel’s determination that led him to register a fairytale comeback in Paris. 

What makes Carlos Yulo one of the best gymnasts? Learn about his major achievements

It is not always the achievements that make an athlete great. Instead, it is the strength of character shown by them in times of trouble that truly defines them. Competing at the 2023 Worlds in Antwerp, Edriel suffered a stinging blow to his face. Attempting a piked handspring double front, the Filipino gymnast landed flat on his back, earning himself a disastrous 0.000. Making matters worse, the Filipino also faltered in the Pommel Horse routine, denting his chances of an Olympic berth. 

Edriel composed himself and went on to execute the remainder of his routines sincerely. This made him qualify for the floor final notching up the third-best score of the event. With it, the dream for Edriel to qualify for Paris came true as he was the sole representative for his country who was not already qualified. Reflecting on his mental state after the fall, Edriel told Olympics.com, “To give your all till the dismount, to not give up on what you love, to search for ways to improve and to not lose to yourself in every day training. I mean this is definitely not easy but this is my lifestyle.” 

Edriel also loves to be around his friends and family in order to perform better. He stated that performing with the team makes him feel tense as the pressure of letting his team down plays at the back of his mind. But every time Edriel has been brought down, he has found a way to get back up. From missing the all-around finals in Tokyo to finishing 12th at Antwerp, Edriel Carlos Yulo has come a long way. 

A look at his major accolades would also give an idea of how good the gymnast is. With his latest Olympic gold victory, Edriel’s gold medal tally now reads 22! Over the years, Edriel has garnered 9 Southeast Asian golds, 10 Asian Championships gold, and 2 World Championships gold to his name. And now, embellished with the rarest feat of winning the Olympic gold, the gymnastics realm will remember the name, Edriel Carlos Yulo for a long time.