Carlos Yulo captures gold, silver, and bronze medals in FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series in Doha, Qatar

Carlos “Caloy” Yulo wowed the gymnastics world once more as he secured the gold medal in the floor exercise of the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series at the Aspire Dome in Doha, Qatar on Friday, further cementing his position as one of the world’s top gymnasts.

After completing his routine, Yulo pumped his fists in the air in celebration.

This was a much-needed redemption for the gymnast, who failed to reach the floor exercise final in the first World Cup leg in Cottbus, Germany where he finished in 20th place by scoring 13.400, just a week earlier.

He dazzled the judges with his incredible routine, including a two-and-a-half twist to front double pike, a triple full side pass, a one-and-a-half twist to Randi, and a three-and-a-half twist to close.

His stunning performance earned him a score of 14.833, securing him the gold medal.

Minami Kazuki of Japan finished second with a score of 14.200, while Luke Whitehouse of Great Britain took the third spot with 13.966.

“Maraming salamat po sa pagsuporta at pagdasal para sa akin (Thank you for supporting and praying for me),” he said, apologizing to Filipinos who came to cheer for him at the Aspire Dome as he was not able to socialize with them.

He said, “Nag-focus po talaga ako sa competition, pasensya napo talaga kung hindi ko kayo napansin (I focused on the competition, I am sorry for not giving you attention).”

Yulo qualified for the finals by scoring 14.5 during the qualifications held on Thursday, making him one of the top contenders for the gold medal.

WORLD CUP CHAMP. Philippines’ Carlos Yulo secures a gold medal in his favorite event, floor exercise, in the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series at the Aspire Dome in Doha, Qatar Friday, March 3. FIG PHOTOS

The 23-year-old Olympian redeemed himself after a disappointing performance in the first World Cup leg in Cottbus, Germany, where he failed to make the cut in the same event and finished in 20th place.

However, Yulo bounced back and salvaged a bronze medal in the parallel bars with his score of 15.166 points, placing behind Ukraine’s Illia Kovtun and Italy’s Matteo Levantesi.

Yulo wrapped up his campaign with two more podium finishes to his gold medal win in the floor exercise. The Filipino gymnast proved his versatility by winning a silver medal in parallel bars and a bronze medal in the vault on the last day of the competition.

Competing first in vault, Yulo started strong with a Blanik, earning a score of 14.966, but stumbled on his second vault, a Kasamatsu double twist, scoring 14.800 for a 14.883 average.

Despite his best efforts, Yulo was unable to surpass current vault world champion Artur Davtyan, who set the bar high with a Dragulescu and handspring Randi (2.5 twist) for a 15.083 average.

Yulo’s disappointment was short-lived, as he quickly added another medal to his collection in parallel bars.

Though he finished with an impressive 8.733 on execution, he scored lower on difficulty (6.2 compared to gold medalist Illia Kovtun’s 6.3).

Yulo finished with a total of 14.933, while Kovtun edged him out with 14.966.

Ferhat Arican of Turkiye took the bronze medal with 14.733.

Last month, the world champion was recognized by the Senate for bringing pride and glory to the country and being one of the best gymnasts the Philippines has produced.

Yulo’s success has made him a national icon and an inspiration to aspiring gymnasts across the country.