Carlos Yulo Captures Fourth Straight Floor Exercise Gold at 2025 Asian Championships: A Nation Celebrates

In a stunning and historic performance, Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo captured his fourth consecutive gold medal in the floor exercise at the 2025 Asian Gymnastics Championships, held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. As the Philippine national anthem reverberated throughout the arena, the crowd erupted in cheers, many with tears in their eyes. It was not just a victory—it was a moment of national pride, athletic excellence, and unwavering determination.

Yulo, now 25, delivered a near-flawless routine, filled with high-flying tumbling passes, clean landings, and impeccable artistry. His score of 15.200 outclassed gymnasts from powerhouse countries like Japan, China, and South Korea, firmly cementing his legacy as one of Asia’s greatest gymnasts and the Philippines’ most decorated.

A Golden Journey Continues

Carlos Yulo’s dominance in the floor exercise began in 2019, when he first claimed the Asian championship title in Mongolia. Since then, he has become a household name, not only in the Philippines but around the world, known for his unmatched precision, compact power, and relentless pursuit of perfection.

His latest win at the 2025 Asian Championships was perhaps his most emotional. Overcoming injuries, the pressure of expectations, and the evolving standards of the sport, Yulo proved that greatness is not just about talent—but about discipline and heart.

“This gold means everything to me,” Yulo said, holding back tears during his post-event interview. “It’s not just for me—it’s for my coaches, my family, and everyone back home in the Philippines who believes in me.”

A Performance for the Ages

From the opening note of his music, the crowd knew they were witnessing something special. Yulo’s routine began with a triple twist punch front—a move so technically challenging that few in the world can execute it consistently. But Yulo not only landed it—he did so with finesse and control.

Each pass showcased his athleticism: the layout double-double, the 2.5 twist to front layout, and his signature combination twist sequence that left judges in awe. His landings, always a question mark under pressure, were stuck with near surgical precision.

Judges awarded him a 6.8 difficulty score and an execution score of 8.4, giving him a final tally of 15.200, nearly half a point higher than silver medalist Kosuke Tanaka of Japan, who scored 14.750.

“Carlos is redefining floor exercise in Asia,” said Japanese coach Hiroshi Nakamura. “He brings both technical difficulty and artistic beauty. It’s rare. It’s elite.”

The Anthem That Moved a Nation

As Yulo stepped onto the top of the podium, wrapped in the Philippine flag, the arena stood in silence for the playing of “Lupang Hinirang.” For the fourth time in six years, the Philippine national anthem echoed on Asian gymnastics’ grandest stage—this time, louder than ever.

Filipino fans in the crowd wept openly, waving flags and chanting Yulo’s name. Even international spectators stood and clapped in admiration.

“It gave me goosebumps,” said Annabelle Cruz, a Filipino nurse working in Uzbekistan who attended the event. “Hearing our anthem here, watching Carlos on that podium—I’ve never felt prouder to be Filipino.”

Back home, social media exploded with joy. The hashtag #YuloGoldAgain trended within minutes. President [Insert Name] released a statement congratulating Yulo, calling him “a living symbol of Filipino excellence and perseverance.”

Behind the Victory: Years of Sacrifice

Carlos Yulo’s journey is as inspiring as it is challenging. Originally from Malate, Manila, he moved to Japan at the age of 16 to train under Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya. He left behind his family, friends, and the comforts of home to chase a dream few believed possible at the time.

The road wasn’t easy—he faced cultural adjustments, injuries, self-doubt, and immense pressure to deliver results. But Yulo remained focused. Over the years, he evolved from a promising talent to a world-class athlete, winning medals not only in Asia but also at World Championships and the Southeast Asian Games.

“It’s always been about the long game,” his coach Kugimiya said. “Carlos works harder than anyone. He listens. He never gives up.”

Even during the pandemic years, when training facilities were closed and competitions canceled, Yulo continued practicing in isolation, often in makeshift gyms, using whatever equipment was available.

Looking Ahead: Paris 2026 and Beyond

With his fourth Asian floor title secured, Yulo now turns his attention to the 2026 Paris Olympics, where he aims to improve on his previous Olympic performance and finally secure an Olympic medal—perhaps even gold.

The 2021 Tokyo Olympics were bittersweet for Yulo. Though he was heavily favored, a small error during qualifications cost him a spot in the floor finals, and he settled for a top-10 finish on the parallel bars. It was a hard lesson, but one that fueled his determination.

“I learned more from failure than success,” Yulo said. “Paris is my redemption. I’m working for it every single day.”

Aside from floor exercise, Yulo is also making significant progress in vault and parallel bars, potentially making him a multi-event medal contender at future global competitions.

A Role Model for the Next Generation

Carlos Yulo’s triumph is more than just a medal—it’s a message to young Filipinos that greatness is achievable, no matter where you come from.

In recent years, gymnastics has seen a surge of interest in the Philippines, thanks largely to Yulo’s achievements. More children are enrolling in gymnastics programs, inspired by his story. The Philippine Sports Commission has acknowledged his impact and pledged to invest more in gymnastics infrastructure and training.

“He’s our icon,” said Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion. “He changed the game. And he’s inspiring the next Carlos Yulo to rise.”

Final Thoughts

Carlos Yulo’s fourth straight Asian Championship gold is a triumph of skill, resilience, and heart. It’s not just a win for him—it’s a win for the Philippines, for every young athlete who dreams big, and for a nation hungry for global recognition in sports.

As the Philippine flag soared above the arena and the anthem rang out in triumph, one truth became clear: Carlos Yulo is no longer just a gymnast. He’s a legend.