Filipino Gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo Battles to 8th Place Finish in World Championships
Young Filipino athlete Karl Eldrew Yulo delivered a valiant performance to secure eighth place in the men's individual all-around final at the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships on Saturday, November 22, 2025. The competition unfolded at the prestigious Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City, where Yulo captivated the home crowd with his skill and determination.
A Promising Start and Mid-Competition Challenges
Yulo's campaign saw a spectacular high when he surged to second place overall after his fourth event, the floor routine. He electrified the audience, which included Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz, by posting the day's top score of 14.300 in that discipline. However, the momentum shifted in the subsequent rotations. His scores on the pommel horse (13.000) and rings (12.066) allowed other global contenders to overtake him in the standings.
The parallel bars presented a final hurdle. A wobbly dismount proved costly, earning him a score of 12.833 and solidifying his eighth-place finish. His other results included a 13.466 on the vault and a 13.006 on the horizontal bar.
Overcoming Adversity with Filipino Spirit
The competition was not without a scare, as Yulo initially skipped his post-event interview to receive immediate treatment for a sprained right ankle. He returned about 30 minutes later to address reporters, explaining that the injury occurred during his floor routine. "Biglang sumakit po pagkatapos ng triple twist ko sa floor tapos po may biglang kirot," Yulo shared.
Displaying characteristic resolve, he flashed a smile and assured everyone of his fighting spirit. "Medyo may kirot, pero Pilipino tayo, kaya dapat ilaban. Pipilitin po nating kakayaning ito," he stated, embodying the heart of a true competitor.
Looking Ahead with Pride and Determination
Despite falling short of the podium, Yulo expressed satisfaction with his performance. He highlighted his improvement from 15th in the qualifications to a top-eight finish globally. "I am still proud of myself, even if I did not make it to the top three... Next time, I will do my very best. Hindi kinaya ng powers ko. But it’s okay since I still have some events left," the gymnast remarked.
His potential was also recognized by Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion. She praised his excellent floor exercise while noting that the pommel horse and rings impacted his final standing. Most importantly, she confirmed that Yulo is determined to pursue gold in his upcoming individual apparatus events.
