2024 Olympics Preview: Carlos Yulo and Three Teammates

Carlos Yulo

Carlos Yulo, 24, stands as a pivotal figure in Philippine gymnastics and a key member of the nation’s team for the 2024 Paris Olympics. His journey from a young talent in Manila to a world-class gymnast has not only broken new ground for Philippine athletics but has also reshaped the landscape of Asian gymnastics. Yulo’s combination of technical prowess, innovative routines, and competitive spirit has earned him recognition as one of the sport’s elite performers on the global stage. As he approaches his second Olympic Games, Yulo carries the aspirations of a nation eager to make its mark in Olympic gymnastics.

Key achievements

  • 2019 World Championships: Gold in Floor Exercise
  • 2021 World Championships: Gold in Vault, Silver in Parallel Bars
  • 2022 World Championships: Silver in Vault, Bronze in Parallel Bars
  • 2024 Asian Championships: Gold in All-Around, Floor Exercise, Vault, and Parallel Bars
  • 2020 Tokyo Olympics: 4th place in Vault
  • 2024 Paris Olympics: Double Gold Medals in Floor Exercise and Vault

Yulo is one of the most successful gymnasts in Philippine history, having won 6 medals at World Championships. His strengths lie in floor exercise, vault, and parallel bars, events in which he has the potential to excel.

In 2019, Yulo became the first Filipino to win a gold medal at the World Gymnastics Championships, with his stunning performance in floor exercise. In 2021, he further demonstrated his versatility by winning gold in vault and silver in parallel bars. These achievements showcase his all-around capability across multiple events.

At the Tokyo Olympics, Yulo narrowly missed the podium with a 4th place finish in vault. Far from discouraging him, this experience has motivated him to strive for better results in Paris. Since Tokyo, Yulo has been undergoing intensive training in Japan, continually improving his technical difficulty and consistency.

His recent outstanding performance at the 2024 Asian Championships, where he won four gold medals in all-around, floor exercise, vault, and parallel bars, indicates that he is at the peak of his career. This competition not only proved his all-around ability but also demonstrated his mental strength in major competitions.

Looking ahead to the Paris Olympics, Yulo has the potential to compete for medals in multiple events. His floor exercise is full of power and precision, his vault routines are high in difficulty with stable landings, and his parallel bars showcase his exceptional upper body strength and control. If he can perform at his best during the competition, he has a strong chance of winning an Olympic gymnastics medal for the Philippines.

Read more: Filipino Athletes Qualified for 2024 Paris Olympics

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Other Team Members

Aleah Finnegan (21 years old)

Key achievements

  • 2024 NCAA Floor Exercise Champion
  • 2023 Asian Championships: Bronze in Vault and Balance Beam
  • 9th place at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials

Finnegan, a former U.S. national team member, now represents the Philippines. She has excelled in collegiate gymnastics, showing particular promise in vault and floor exercise. Her power-oriented gymnastics style complements Yulo’s, and she is poised to make a strong showing at the Olympics.

Levi Ruivivar (18 years old)

Key achievements

  • 2024 Asian Championships: Bronze in Uneven Bars
  • 2024 Doha World Cup: Silver in Uneven Bars
  • Qualified for the Olympics through the 2024 World Cup series

Ruivivar is the youngest member of the team but has already proven herself on the international stage. She excels on the uneven bars, demonstrating refined technique and fluid movements. As a rising star, her potential continues to unfold, and she may surprise at the Olympics.

Emma Malabuyo (21 years old)

Key achievements

  • 2024 Asian Championships: Bronze in All-Around, Gold in Floor Exercise
  • 9th place at the 2021 U.S. Olympic Trials
  • 4th place in All-Around at the 2018 U.S. Gymnastics Championships

Malabuyo is known for her graceful balance beam work and expressive floor routines. Her artistry and performance quality add a different stylistic dimension to the Philippine team. Her excellent performance at the 2024 Asian Championships, particularly her gold medal in floor exercise, demonstrates her competitiveness in major events.

Team Outlook

This diverse team represents the strongest and most comprehensive Olympic lineup in Philippine gymnastics history. Each member has the potential to reach event finals and possibly challenge for medals in their respective strengths. Carlos Yulo’s extensive experience in world-class competitions, Aleah Finnegan’s NCAA championship prowess, Levi Ruivivar’s emerging talent, and Emma Malabuyo’s all-around capabilities combine to form a highly competitive team.

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