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The Philippines' top artistic gymnasts are set to take another major step in their international campaign as the national men's and women's teams embark on separate overseas training camps in preparation for two of the biggest events on the 2026 gymnastics calendar.

Leading the men's contingent are Olympic champion Carlos Yulo and his younger brother Eldrew Yulo, who will travel to Japan for an intensive training camp aimed at fine-tuning their routines ahead of the 20th Asian Games in Aichi-Nagoya and the 54th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Rotterdam.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion confirmed that the Yulo brothers will be joined by Justine Ace De Leon, Miguel Beasana, and Filipino-American gymnast Zachary Nunez, forming the core of the country's men's national team.

Meanwhile, the Philippine women's artistic gymnastics team will undergo its own high-level training camp in the United States, giving both squads access to world-class facilities, elite coaching, and valuable international training environments.

The overseas preparations are being undertaken with the support of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) as part of a long-term program designed to keep Philippine gymnastics competitive on the continental and global stages.

Building Momentum for Two Major Championships

The training camps come at a crucial stage of the season, with the 20th Asian Games scheduled from September 19 to October 4 in Aichi-Nagoya, Japan. The regional showpiece will gather Asia's strongest gymnastics programs, providing the Philippines with another opportunity to challenge traditional powerhouses.

Shortly after the Asian Games, the national team will compete in the 54th FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships from October 17 to 25 in Rotterdam, Netherlands. Beyond world medals and rankings, the championships serve as an important qualification pathway toward the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games, making every routine and every point critical.

For the Filipino gymnasts, the back-to-back competitions represent one of the most demanding stretches of the international season.

Yulo Brothers Continue to Lead Philippine Gymnastics

Carlos and Eldrew Yulo enter the overseas training camp carrying significant momentum following their impressive performances at the recent Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships in China.

Carlos captured the gold medal, while Eldrew earned the bronze medal, results that automatically secured their qualification for the World Championships in Rotterdam. Their achievements also confirmed their places on the Philippine team bound for the Asian Games.

Carlos, already one of the country's most decorated athletes, continues to set the standard for Philippine gymnastics through his consistency on the international stage. His younger brother Eldrew has steadily emerged as one of the sport's brightest young stars, demonstrating that the Philippines possesses not only an established champion but also a promising next-generation contender.

Their presence provides leadership and inspiration for a men's squadTraining overseas has become an essential component of the Philippines' high-performance program, allowing national athletes to sharpen routines under elite coaching, gain exposure to international training standards, and simulate the level of competition they will encounter looking to achieve new milestones against Asia's and the world's best.

Investing in International Preparation

Training overseas has become an essential component of the Philippines' high-performance program, allowing national athletes to sharpen routines under elite coaching, gain exposure to international training standards, and simulate the level of competition they will encounter at major championships.

Japan has long been recognized as one of the world's leading nations in artistic gymnastics, making it an ideal destination for the men's team. Likewise, the United States offers the women's squad an opportunity to train in one of the sport's most advanced development systems.

The GAP believes that these international camps will enhance both technical execution and competitive readiness while strengthening team cohesion before the country's biggest assignments of the year.

Eyes on the Road to Los Angeles 2028

While medals remain an immediate objective, the broader mission extends beyond 2026. Every international competition now forms part of the Philippines' campaign toward qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

With Carlos and Eldrew Yulo leading a talented national squad, and with the continued support of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines and the Philippine Sports Commission, Team Philippines aims to build on recent international success and further establish itself among Asia's rising gymnastics powers.

As the national team departs for its overseas training camps, the journey ahead represents more than preparation—it marks another important chapter in Philippine gymnastics' pursuit of excellence on the continental, world, and Olympic stages.

Great sporting events are not built by athletes alone—they are made possible by dedicated leaders working behind the scenes.

The 2026 Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships is more than a gathering of the continent's top gymnasts. It also stands as a testament to the leadership and commitment of three remarkable women whose vision and hard work have helped make the Philippines a proud host of this prestigious international competition.

Their contributions extend far beyond organizing a championship. By bringing a major sporting event to the country, they are creating opportunities for Filipino athletes, strengthening the nation's standing in the international sports community, and inspiring the next generation of gymnasts and sports leaders.

Their leadership highlights the growing role of women in Philippine sports—not only as elite athletes but also as administrators, decision-makers, mentors, and advocates who continue to shape the future of the industry.

Every successful international event hosted by the Philippines enhances the country's reputation as a capable sporting destination while encouraging more young athletes to pursue excellence. It also sends a powerful message to aspiring girls that leadership knows no gender and that determination, vision, and service can leave a lasting impact on Philippine sports.

As the 2026 Aerobic Gymnastics Asian Championships unfolds, the spotlight belongs not only to the competitors striving for medals but also to the women whose leadership has helped make this milestone possible.

Their dedication serves as an inspiration that the future of Philippine sports grows even stronger when more women are empowered to lead.

Karl Eldrew Yulo showed resilience and heart as he delivered the Philippines’ first medal at the 2025 Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, bouncing back with a bronze in the floor exercise on Sunday at Newport World Resorts.

Just a day after narrowly missing the podium in the all-around final, the 17-year-old Filipino star returned with renewed focus. Despite nursing a painful right ankle injury, Yulo powered through his routine and posted 13.733 points, securing a well-earned spot on the podium.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion lauded Yulo’s performance but hopes he can move with less discomfort heading into Monday’s apparatus finals.

“I hope by tomorrow his foot will be better. When you do the vault, you jump high, and you have to stick the landing,” Carrion said.

Yulo’s bronze was the product of both calm execution and competitive composure. Performing second among the finalists, he established an early benchmark that held strong as the field progressed. The tension peaked when all-around champion Arsenii Dukhno took the final turn. Yulo watched anxiously, holding on to third place—and breathed relief as Dukhno finished with 13.633 points, just short of overtaking the Filipino.

The medal marks a significant breakthrough for Yulo, who continues carving his path on the world stage while carrying the legacy of Filipino excellence in gymnastics.

With two more apparatus finals ahead, Yulo remains hungry—and determined—to close the Junior Worlds on an even stronger note.

Karl Jahrel Eldrew Yulo has qualified for four final events after a standout performance in the men’s artistic gymnastics team and qualification round of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championship on Thursday night at the Manila Marriott Hotel in Pasay City.

The 17-year-old Yulo advanced to three apparatus finals and made the cut for the men’s individual all-around final.

Yulo finished sixth overall in the horizontal bar, scoring 13.700 points. He followed up with an impressive 14.233 points in the floor exercise, placing second overall. The 2024 Junior Asian MAG Vault Champion also qualified for the vault finals after finishing fifth with 14.200 points in the qualifications.

Eldrew likewise advanced to the men’s individual all-around final, tallying a total score of 78.332 for 15th place overall, with the top 24 gymnasts qualifying.

The men’s individual all-around finals are set for Saturday, Nov. 22, while the men’s apparatus finals are slated for Nov. 23 and 24.

Eldrew Yulo — younger brother of double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo — takes center stage as the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships officially open Thursday at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom inside Newport World Resorts, Pasay City.

Fresh from months of intensive training in Japan under esteemed coach Munehiro Kugimiya, Eldrew banners the host nation’s campaign alongside women’s division representative Elizabeth Antone.

“He’s been working so hard to win medals,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion during the tournament’s opening press conference.

Yulo begins his campaign at 6 p.m. in the men’s artistic gymnastics (MAG) qualifications and team rankings, marking the start of the five-day competition running from November 20–24. The women’s qualifications follow on Friday, while the MAG and WAG all-around finals take place on Saturday. Apparatus finals for both divisions are scheduled for Sunday and Monday.

A silver medalist in vault at the Asian Junior Championships last July in Jecheon, South Korea, Yulo is seen as the country’s strongest medal hopeful. Carrion expressed optimism that the teen standout could contend for gold in the floor exercise, parallel bars, rings, and vault.

“He assured me he can do it. I feel he can give us one medal, or maybe even two,” Carrion said. “I’m happy with two medals.”

As the Junior Gymfest gets underway, Carrion appealed to Filipino fans to rally behind the athletes—especially in a sport that has delivered the Philippines its historic second and third Olympic gold medals.

“Cheer for our athletes, cheer for everybody, and let’s show the world that gymnastics is a very important sport,” she said.

A total of 75 nations are competing for junior gymnastics glory, making this the largest and most prestigious edition of the event ever held—right here on Philippine soil.

International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) President Morinari Watanabe led the Press Conference and Media Welcome Reception on Tuesday, formally ushering in the country’s hosting of the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships at Newport World Resorts in Pasay City.

The event gathered local and international media as Watanabe highlighted the Philippines’ growing presence in the global gymnastics community and expressed confidence in the successful staging of the prestigious competition.

Set to officially open on Thursday, November 20, the Junior World Championships will feature the world’s top young gymnasts, all eager to showcase their skill, talent, and potential on the international stage.

With more than 75 countries participating, the Philippines is poised to play a central role as the tournament unfolds in Manila for the very first time.

The world’s top young gymnasts will gather in Manila from November 20 to 24 for the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, to be held at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.

More than 75 countries will take part in the prestigious global event, showcasing the next generation of gymnastics stars competing for world titles and glory.

This marks the first time the Philippines is hosting the Junior World Championships—a milestone moment for the country’s gymnastics community. The event highlights not only the athletes’ talent, passion, and discipline, but also the growing presence of gymnastics in the Philippines and across Asia.

The competition is expected to deliver world-class performances as rising stars strive to make their mark on the international stage and inspire future generations of gymnasts.

The Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) is going all out in its preparations for the 3rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, set for November 20–24 at the Manila Marriott Grand Ballroom.

The prestigious global event will gather a record-breaking number of nations and athletes, further highlighting the Philippines’ growing prominence in the gymnastics world—especially after Carlos Yulo’s historic double gold at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

According to GAP, delegates will begin arriving by November 14, with some already expressing interest in staying longer to explore the country. Adding star power to the festivities, actor and GAP board member Derek Ramsay will host the opening ceremony.

“We are going all out in our effort to host this huge international sporting competition featuring the world’s top junior gymnasts,” said GAP President Cynthia Carrion. “It will be a showcase of skills and talent amid a lively, festive, and warm atmosphere that only Filipinos are known for.”

Carrion added that the Philippines’ track record in staging world-class sporting events convinced the Fédération Internationale de Gymnastique (FIG), led by President Morinari Watanabe, to entrust the hosting to Manila—following the federation’s Congress in Doha in 2024.

With passion, hospitality, and world-class preparation, the Philippines is ready to make history once again on the global gymnastics stage.

Despite acknowledging the pressure, rising Filipino gymnast Karl Eldrew Yulo is confident he can deliver a strong performance in front of a hometown crowd when the 3rd Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships unfold from November 20 to 24 at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom in Pasay City.

“I hope I can make a good performance because I want to be one of the best junior gymnasts in the world,” said the 17-year-old Yulo. 

“This is my major international competition this year, and, with the help of God, I want to show the world my best,” he added.

Yulo recently trained in Nagoya, Japan under the guidance of esteemed coach Munehiro Kugimiya, as part of his final preparations for the prestigious tournament. Alongside him during his media appearance was Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion, who emphasized support over pressure.

“I won’t be putting any pressure on Eldrew, so I would be happy if he wins a silver at the world juniors,” said Carrion.

The Philippines earned the hosting rights for the Junior World Championships after a successful bid during the International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) Congress last year in Doha, Qatar. Carrion credited FIG President Morinari Watanabe for championing the country’s bid, especially following Carlos Yulo’s Olympic triumph in Paris.

Nearly 80 countries and 600 athletes are expected to compete in the five-day event, which marks a milestone for Philippine gymnastics.  

Joining Yulo as the country’s female representative is US-based Elisabeth Antone, who earned a bronze medal at the Asian Junior Championships last June in South Korea. Due to the Philippines not participating in the previous edition in Antalya, Turkey, only one male and one female gymnast can compete under the FIG rules for this edition.

Carrion remains hopeful that both gymnasts will rise to the occasion, bolstered by the energy of the Filipino crowd.

“You know how inspiring our Filipino fans are, so we expect them to root for both Yulo and Antone during the world juniors,” she added.

For Karl Eldrew, this competition carries extra meaning, as it will be his final outing in the junior division before moving up to the senior ranks next year.

“This is going to be my first and last time competing in the world juniors and in the Philippines. Next year I will be competing as a senior, so may konting pressure,” said Yulo.

Carrion emphasized the long-term goal of preparing Yulo for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics, with plans for continued training under coach Kugimiya in Japan.

“I believe that he can be our best now at the world juniors, although other countries will also be putting their best foot forward,” she added.

Carrion summed it up best: “It would be fantastic for us Filipinos if Karl can pull this off. It would be nice for the Philippines to see a world champion crowned on our home soil.”

Karl Eldrew Yulo did not stop on the medal hunt after winning eight gold medals in the recently concluded 2024 Chiu Wai Chung Cup in Hong Kong.

Yulo dominated the eight individual and team events. He first won the individual all-around before successively winning all six apparatuses: floor exercise, vault, parallel bars, horizontal bar, pommel horse, and still rings, which the junior men’s artistic gymnastics team relied on to lead the team event.

Yulo's victory was part of the 14 gold, six silver, and five bronze medals that the Philippines will bring home from tournaments hosted by the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines in 2024.

Yulo is currently being trained by Japanese gymnast coach Munehiro Kugemiya, who was the former coach of his older brother, Carlos Edriel "Caloy" Yulo, who won two gold medals in the Paris Olympics last August.

Aside from Eldrew Yulo, the senior men's artistic gymnastics team also won the gold medal in the team event.

Miguel Besana won three gold medals in the seniors individual all-around, floor exercise, and pommel horse, while Justine Ace De Leon led the way in the still rings and parallel bars mints.

Besana also won three silver medals in the rings, parallel bars, and vault, and a bronze in the horizontal bar. De Leon also came home with a bronze in the vault.

Among the other medalists are Hilarion Palles III for pommel horse bronze and parallel bars bronze, John Matthew Vergara for horizontal bar silver and parallel bars bronze, Jhon Romeo Santillan for floor exercise silver, and Jan Gwynn Timbang for pommel horse silver.