Full Circle in Japan: Carlos Yulo Completes His Gold Medal Collection With Asian Games Victory

The most decorated Filipino athlete has once again etched his name in the history books!

Thursday proved to be one of the best days for the Philippine sports community, particularly for gymnastics fans, as double Olympic champion gymnast Carlos Yulo finally completed his gold medal collection after winning the Asian Games floor exercise gold in Japan.

The historic win completed his collection, as Caloy already has gold medals from the Olympic Games, Asian Games, World Championships, Asian Championships, and Southeast Asian Games.

The victory was made even more special as it marked the Philippines’ first-ever gold medal at the 20th Asian Games in Nagoya, Japan, while also making history as the country’s first-ever Asian Games gold medal in artistic gymnastics. Caloy achieved the feat after topping the men’s floor exercise final.

He was not the only Filipino gymnast who reached the men’s floor exercise final, as his younger brother, Karl Eldrew Yulo, also competed in the final, where he finished seventh after posting 12.233 points.

Caloy delivered a winning performance in the men’s floor exercise final, posting 14.666 points to secure the gold medal and surpass his 14.600 qualifying score.

The 26-year-old gymnast narrowly edged Kazakhstan’s Milad Karimi by 0.066 points. Karimi, who was the final gymnast to perform, finished with 14.600 points to take home the silver medal.

Meanwhile, Japan’s Shoma Tsukiyama completed the podium with 14.566 points, earning the bronze medal in front of the home crowd.

Carlos Yulo’s historic victory in Japan carries an even deeper meaning, considering how closely the country has been tied to his journey as a gymnast.

Caloy began training in gymnastics at just seven years old after his grandfather, Rodrigo Frisco, spotted him tumbling at a local playground and brought him to the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines for training. During his early years, he also trained at Club Gymnastica in Kapitolyo, Pasig.

A major turning point in Caloy’s career came in 2016, when he accepted an offer from the Japan Olympic Association to train in Japan under a scholarship program. After moving to the country, Caloy continued his education at Teikyo University in Itabashi, Tokyo, where he graduated in 2022 with an associate degree in literature.

Years after beginning his training journey in Japan, Caloy has now achieved a feat that makes his latest victory even more special. With his Asian Games gold medal, Caloy has finally completed his collection, having previously secured medals—including gold—from other major competitions such as the Southeast Asian Games, Asian Championships, and World Championships. He also made history by winning two gold medals at the Paris Olympics.

The Asian Games gold was the only major gymnastics title missing from Caloy’s collection, making his latest victory a milestone in his already decorated career.

Aside from adding another historic achievement to his name, Caloy’s gold medal also comes with a cash incentive. Filipino athletes who finish on the podium receive cash incentives mandated under Republic Act No. 10699, or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. With his gold-medal finish, Caloy is set to receive at least P2 million.

As of this writing, the Philippines has a total of six medals at the Asian Games, consisting of one gold, one silver, and four bronze medals.

But Caloy’s campaign in Japan is far from over. He will return to action in the vault and parallel bars finals on September 25, where he will have another opportunity to add to his Asian Games gold-medal haul and help boost the Philippines’ medal tally.

His younger brother, Karl Eldrew Yulo, will also compete in the high bar final, while Miguel Besana joins Carlos in the vault final.

Lead photo from POC Media Pool via ABS-CBN News