Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo meets Kapamilya star Coco Martin during his visit to the ABS-CBN compound on August 27, 2024 where the Kapamilya network celebrated the gymnast’s recent victory at the Paris Olympics. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News

MANILA — Carlos Yulo has been on cloud nine since his historic performance in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.

The Philippines’ Golden Boy has received numerous cash incentives, lifetime deals, and media appearances upon his return, with the 24-year-old even visiting the ABS-CBN Compound on Tuesday where he appeared on TV Patrol.

And with all the attention that he has been getting, the soft-spoken Yulo admitted that he is still getting used to having the spotlight on him.

“Nakaka-overwhelm po yung pag welcome niyo sa akin. Maraming maraming salamat po. Thank you po sa pag pu-puyat niyo para mapanood yung competition ko, at pinag dasal niyo kami,” said the Manila native.

Aside from this, another thing that Yulo did not anticipate was how gymnastics suddenly boomed in the Philippines — a dream that he has been wanting to realize for others and not only himself.

“After nung games, ‘di ko po expected na ganito kalaki yung impact po na makaka-apekto sa Pilipinas. Pero sobrang honored and bless po talaga ako,” he shared.

“Sobrang saya ko po kasi gusto ko po talagang lumawak yung gymnastics sa Pilipinas at makilala yung Pilipinas sa larawan ng gymnastics sa international kaya sobrang saya ko po talaga nung maraming mga bata na ang gustong sumali at sumubok sa gymnastics,” added Yulo.

Asked about his plans to help the children enter and excel in the sport, Carlos said that the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) is always open to welcoming young hopefuls who also want to start their own gymnastics journey.

“Sa mga batang gusto sumubok po, bukas naman po yung Gymnastics Association of the Philippines. Simulan na nating mag try out nayon,” he said, while also sharing his long-term goals for the children in the future.

“Gusto ko po balang araw mag turo ng mga kabataan. Sa future po, gagawin ko po yun. Right now, atleta pa po ako. Gusto ko pa pong i-maximize yung years na pwedeng makapag laro po ako,” Yulo explained, revealing that he seeks to launch something similar to the gym of Hidilyn Diaz to help kids train and develop.

He then gave advice not only to aspiring gymnasts but to everyone who is also pursuing their own dreams.

“Mapa-sports or education, pag patuloy lang natin yung gusto natin sa buhay,” said Yulo. “Siyempre mahihirapan tayo, kaya ang gawin natin, mag enjoy at mas mahalin pa yung mga ginagawa natin. Enjoy ang yung process and smile. Kailangan nating magpasalamat kay Lord. Galing lahat sa Kaniya kung ano yung meron tayo,” he added.

Yulo also gave an idea of his strategies in preparation for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

“Kailangan ko po ulit gumawa ng panibagong plans. Kailangan ko pa ulit maka-adapt sa mga pagbabago,” he said. “Target ko po ngayon maka individual all-around. Ayun po yung isa sa mga challenge po para sa akin at isa sa pinaka-mahirap po na makuha.”

That is why despite meeting his idol Coco Martin earlier today, Yulo emphasized that he has no plans of entering show business and becoming a celebrity.

“Athlete po ako, magkaibang mundo po sila eh, so [pagiging] athlete lang po talaga ang pipiliin ko,” he insisted.