Screengrab from Philippine Sportswriters Association

With the pressure of performing on home soil, 17-year-old Karl Eldrew Yulo knows the stakes are high. But rather than shy away, the younger brother of Olympic double gold medalist Carlos Yulo is embracing the moment—and the challenge.

“I hope I can make a good performance because I want to be one of the best junior gymnasts in the world,” said Eldrew at the Philippine Sportswriters Association forum on Tuesday. The rising star is set to compete in the 3rd Artistic Gymnastics Junior World Championships, happening from November 20 to 24 at the Manila Marriott Hotel Grand Ballroom, Newport World Resorts, Pasay City.

As the country’s lone male representative in the competition, Yulo carries not only his dreams but also the hopes of a home crowd expected to turn out in full force. “This will be my first and last time competing in the world juniors—and to do it in the Philippines makes it even more special. Next year, I’ll be a senior already, so may konting pressure,” he admitted.

To prepare for this pivotal moment, Yulo trained for a month in Nagoya, Japan under seasoned coach Munehiro Kugimiya, the same mentor behind his brother Carlos’s rise. Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) president Cynthia Carrion—a driving force behind both Yulo brothers’ development—stood firmly by his side during the PSA session.

“I won’t be putting any pressure on Eldrew, so I would be happy even if he wins a silver at the world juniors,” Carrion said. But it’s clear that expectations remain high, especially after Carlos Yulo’s breakthrough on the world stage and historic double gold performance at the Paris Olympics.

This year’s world juniors will bring together 600 gymnasts from around 80 countries, marking a significant milestone as the Philippines hosts the global event for the first time. Carrion credited the successful bid to the country’s recent gymnastics achievements and the influence of Japanese FIG president Morinari Watanabe, who backed the Philippines’ hosting rights during the FIG Congress in Doha last year.

Carrion also acknowledged the limited local representation due to technical qualifications. Since the Philippines did not field a team in the last edition of the event in Turkey, only one male and one female gymnast are allowed to compete. Joining Yulo is US-based gymnast Elisabeth Antone, a bronze medalist in vault at the recent Asian junior championships in South Korea.

Despite the tight roster, Carrion is optimistic: “You know how inspiring our Filipino fans are, so we expect them to root for both Yulo and Antone. It would be fantastic for us Filipinos if Karl can pull this off.”

Yulo, who also clinched a bronze medal in vault at the same Asian juniors, knows what’s ahead. But he remains hopeful and grounded: “This is my major international competition this year, and with the help of God, I want to show the world my best.”

After the championships, he’ll return to Japan to continue his training with Kugimiya—this time with eyes on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.

For now, though, all focus is on November. And for Karl Eldrew Yulo, the road to greatness begins right here, at home.