By Tracy Cabrera
MANILA — A difficult vault could not dampen Carlos Yulo’s spirits as the Filipino Olympic champion shared the Asian Games gymnastics floor with his younger brother Karl Eldrew.
Yulo suffered a heavy fall during the men’s qualification at Paloma Mizuho Stadium, landing on his back after slipping on his front handspring double pike.
The mishap, however, did little to affect the two-time Olympic gold medalist. He regrouped and completed his second vault, earning a spot in the vault final as the seventh qualifier.
Yulo later delivered the difficult vault successfully, finishing as the fourth-highest scorer in the event and helping the Philippine men’s team place sixth.
Despite the setback, the 26-year-old gymnast said the experience remained a memorable one.
“We managed to have a good time and really enjoy the moment,” Yulo said.
But the highlight of his day went beyond his individual performance.
For the first time at the Asian Games, Carlos competed alongside 18-year-old Karl Eldrew, who was making his debut in the continental competition.
“It’s really fun. This is our second time competing together as Team Philippines, and as a family,” Carlos said. “It’s really an honor to represent our country together with my brother.”
Karl Eldrew, who has long dreamed of competing alongside his older brother, said sharing the floor with Carlos was a moment he had looked forward to since childhood.
“It’s been my dream since I was a kid to compete beside him,” he said.
Karl added that he was grateful that both brothers completed the competition safely despite the demands of the event.
“Today was very fun and exhausting, but I really enjoyed being beside him,” he said.
ia/xf
