The turmoil in Carlos Yulo’s personal life overshadowed his history-making exploits in Paris to an extent. Becoming Philipines’ first-ever double gold medalist at the Olympic Games reports on his relationship with his girlfriend and issues with his mother over the mismanagement of his finances. As he was dealing with issues in his family, rumors spread of fellow Filipino athlete, EJ Obiena commenting on Yulo’s problems and that there was allegedly a rift between the two.

Following the revelation of the problems in Yulo’s family dynamic, there were comparisons drawn with Obiena’s personal life on social media. Media outlets started digging into Yulo’s estranged relationship with his family, particularly his mother Angelica, and the supportive family environment surrounding Obiena. Many even wrongfully blamed Obiena for exposing details about Yulo’s personal life, fueling rumors of animosity between the two. But now Obiena has called out the false rumors and clarified his relationship with Yulo.

Obiena first shared an IG story where many users had accused him of exposing Yulo’s personal problems. He then removed the story and posted a lengthy message on his Facebook and Instagram profile on October 8. He called out the misleading narrative against him noting, “I have hoped and tried to stay silent and not fuel anymore of the misleading stories. It’s a sad state of affairs when stories are fabricated to get clicks and likes and shares. Journalism is a noble profession driven by FACTS. It’s a shame it is sometimes abused.” 

He then clarified the rumors of him commenting on Yulo’s private life. In his FB post, he mentioned, “I never comment on someone else’s personal life. I HAVE NEVER MADE A SINGLE COMMENT regarding Caloy’s private life and I never shall. Any assertion otherwise is outright libel. I know when to keep my mouth shut; and when it comes to anyone’s private life this is one of those times. “

At the Olympics, while Yulo celebrated his historic double medal, Obiena narrowly missed out on a bronze in the pole vault. Both athletes have represented the Philipines in two successive Olympic games. As such there is bound to be mutual respect between the two athletes which Obiena emphasized in his post.

Obiena’s post is not just a defense of Yulo; it’s a rallying cry against the sensationalism that often seems to sell. He ended the post by asking the fandom to support the athletes, and appealed to those who made up the rumors to stop “creating false drama to sell advertising space.”

Yulo was already in the spotlight after impressing in Paris, but his family turmoil brought him more attention than he would have liked. On August 6, after winning two Olympic medals, he posted a TikTok addressing his strained relationship with his mother, Angelica Poquiz Yulo. He alleged that she had withdrawn prize money he had won from his bank account she oversaw without telling him.

He added his mother did not tell him he had received a payment from a competition two years ago and that she claimed the amount was less than what he had actually won. Yulo also brought up the tensions between his mother and his girlfriend Chloe San Jose. According to him, the rift between him and his mother began because she disapproved of his girlfriend, who is a TikTok content creator.

Yulo also urged his mother to look past the differences and Angelica apologized with the hope of resolving these issues within the family. Yulo did receive a hero’s welcome on arrival in his country with quite a few honors bestowed upon him. Despite the drama surrounding the athlete, he is keen to focus on his next goal.

Despite rewards and accolades, Carlos’ focus remains elsewhere!

As the dramas of familial weight unfolded, Carlos Yulo has been the toast of his hometown. After winning two Olympic golds in vault and floor exercise, what awaited Carlos on the other side was something special. The Filipino government honored him with a reward package, including a congressional medal and a fully furnished home in Manila.

He also received a cash prize of $103,676 on top of the 10 million Philippine peso courtesy of a Filipino law that promises incentives to athletes. Some other interesting rewards also followed as he has been offered unlimited free buffets and a lifetime supply of traditional dishes like chicken inasal. Yulo also received free headlights and fog lights along with medical consultations after he turned 45. Plus, he gets a free wedding photographer whenever he decides to tie the knot. Carlos Yulo, despite the glitz, remains focused on what matters to him! His future as a gymnast.

And guess what? Yulo already has his plan drawn out for it. “I’m more focused on the next cycle of the Olympics. It will be a greater experience for me because I want to defend that title that I won and show everyone that I’m worthy of a gold medal in all my performances in my competitions.” And there you have it, folks, while the world continues to sip of gossip. Yulo is planning his next Olympic win!