Carlos Yulo Opens Up About Rift With His Mother—And Allegations She Took His Money—Days After Winning Olympic Gold

Just days after clinching his second Olympic gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo addressed a deeply personal matter that had been the subject of public speculation and controversy. In an emotional statement, Yulo spoke out about the rift with his mother and the allegations that she took money from him, shedding light on the complicated dynamics of their relationship amid his meteoric rise to international stardom.

The 24-year-old’s victory in the men’s vault final at the Paris Olympics had been a moment of immense pride for Yulo and his home country. Winning his second Olympic gold medal, following his triumph in the floor exercise at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, solidified his place as one of the world’s premier gymnasts. However, the personal challenges he faced in the run-up to his success were equally as defining as his athletic achievements.

The Rift With His Mother: A Complicated Relationship

For years, Carlos Yulo has maintained a close-knit relationship with his family, particularly with his mother, Marites Yulo, who had been a constant source of emotional and financial support throughout his early career. However, in recent months, rumors had begun circulating regarding a serious fallout between the gymnast and his mother. This rift, according to sources close to the family, was reportedly rooted in financial disputes and allegations of mismanagement.

During an exclusive interview in the aftermath of his gold medal win, Yulo revealed that his relationship with his mother had indeed become strained. He confirmed that, while he had always been grateful for her support, a series of personal and financial issues had led to a significant breakdown in their communication. The allegations that Marites Yulo had taken money from her son were particularly painful for Carlos, as he spoke candidly about the trust issues that had emerged between them.

“It’s been a very difficult time for both of us,” Yulo said, his voice breaking with emotion. “I’ve always loved my mother, and I wouldn’t be where I am without her early sacrifices. But as I started achieving more, things started to change. There were misunderstandings, and some things were said that hurt me deeply. It’s been hard to process, especially with everything happening so quickly in my career.”

Yulo did not go into explicit detail about the financial accusations, but the gymnastic star’s statement suggested that the tension had been exacerbated by the increased scrutiny and pressure that often accompanies fame and fortune. The financial support his family had provided when he was a young, struggling gymnast had been essential, but as Yulo’s earnings from sponsorships and competition prizes grew, complications arose within the family dynamic.

Allegations of Financial Mismanagement: The Emotional Toll

The most explosive aspect of the ongoing tension between Yulo and his mother involved the accusations of financial mismanagement, which had been widely discussed on social media and in the press. Allegedly, Marites Yulo had taken a significant amount of money from her son, a claim which both shocked and confused fans of the athlete. For someone as humble and reserved as Yulo, this controversy became an emotional burden in addition to his physical and mental preparation for the Olympics.

Carlos addressed these allegations head-on, acknowledging that money had been a source of friction but also emphasizing that the matter had become distorted in the media. “I want people to understand that these things are never simple,” he said. “When you start earning more, it’s not just about you anymore. There are a lot of people involved, and sometimes things get mixed up. People think that because you’re successful, everything is perfect, but there are so many things happening behind the scenes that no one sees.”

He also clarified that he had cut ties with several people who were involved in his financial affairs to ensure that his hard-earned money was being managed properly. While Yulo expressed gratitude for his mother’s role in supporting him when he was just starting out, he also revealed that he had taken steps to distance himself from the situation, focusing on his mental well-being and preparing for his upcoming competitions.

“I’ve learned to take control of my own life and career,” he said. “This is my journey, and I need to protect myself—emotionally, financially, and mentally. I’ve worked too hard to get here, and I don’t want any distractions taking away from that.”

Family: A Double-Edged Sword

The emotional complexity of Carlos Yulo’s relationship with his mother underscores the sometimes fragile nature of family support in the world of elite athletics. Many athletes rely heavily on their families for emotional, logistical, and financial support, particularly in the early stages of their careers. For Yulo, this support had been essential during the years when he struggled to fund his training and made the difficult decision to move to Japan at the age of 16 to pursue his dream of becoming an elite gymnast.

However, as Yulo’s success grew, so did the pressures that come with fame and fortune. The situation involving his mother is a stark reminder that the line between familial support and financial dependency can often blur, especially when large sums of money are involved. In elite sports, where athletes may suddenly find themselves in the public eye and managing substantial earnings, navigating relationships with family members can become increasingly complex.

Yulo’s ability to acknowledge the situation and speak publicly about it reveals his growing maturity, not only as an athlete but as an individual learning to balance the demands of his career with his personal life. Though the rift with his mother remains unresolved, Yulo has made it clear that he remains committed to focusing on his mental health and personal growth moving forward.

Moving Forward: Yulo’s Focus on Growth and Healing

While Carlos Yulo’s relationship with his mother remains complicated, the young gymnast is determined to move forward in both his personal and professional life. Winning a second Olympic gold medal was an extraordinary achievement, but it also marked a turning point for Yulo, not just in his athletic career, but in his journey toward emotional and mental stability.

“I’m not perfect,” Yulo said. “I’ve made mistakes, and I’ve had to learn some tough lessons. But I’m proud of where I am now, and I know that I have to keep growing. Life isn’t just about winning medals—it’s about learning from everything, including the hard parts.”

As Carlos Yulo continues to recover from both the emotional challenges and physical demands of being an elite athlete, one thing is clear: his journey, both on and off the gym floor, is far from over.