By MARK REY MONTEJO
After months of “rest and pleasure” following his historic double gold-performance in the Paris Olympics last August, gymnast Carlos Yulo plans to start training early next month for various international competitions, including the FIG World Championships and the Southeast Asian Games.
In an interview with Radyo Pilipinas 2 Sports, the 24-year-old Yulo stressed that he needs to get back in shape as some of his rivals have set aside their holiday break to stay fit and ready.
With his endearing Olympic exploits, Yulo knows full well he has a huge target on his back.
“‘Yong mindset ko po talaga. [Especially ngayon] na kailangan kopong magsipag, knowing ‘yong mga co-gymnasts ko po from other countries, hindi po sila nagpahinga talaga and nagti-training parin sila,” said Yulo.
“Kailangan ko pong matapatan po ulit ‘yon and I’m really looking forward po sa mga next year na training po and ma-test ulit ‘yong sarili ko sa mga competitions po,” he added. “Pahinga ng kaunti kasi next year bakbakan na po ulit,” said Yulo.
Yulo said he needs to go through basic training anew in hopes of keeping the burning.
“Right now po, gumagawa po ako ng routines ko po plus anong training po ‘yong gagawin, especially nag-long break ako,” Yulo continued.
“Kailangan ko po ulit mag-undergo sa basic training and i-strategize kung paano po ako magco-compete and magti-training camps po,” he added.
Yulo is expected to banner the Nationals in 33rd SEAG which is set in Thailand in December where he might be teaming up with his younger sister gymnast star Elaiza. His younger brother, Eldrew, is not yet eligible to compete due to his age.
If the stars align, the two-time world champion is yearning as well to lead a PH team in the 2028 Los Angeles Games.
“Hoping po kami na umabot po kami sa gano’ng point po,” said Yulo. “Sana mabigyan din po sila ng opportunity na makapag-training sa iba’t ibang countries ng makita din po nila ‘yong ibat’ ibang kultura ng sports, ‘yong spirit ng pagiging atleta po.”
“Ganun po ‘yong gusto kong makuha nila or ma-adopt nila and we’ll do our best po na makapag-Olympics po kaming lahat,” he added.
