MANILA, Philippines–However high the bar is set, Karl Eldrew Yulo is determined to follow in his older brother’s footsteps.

Karl Eldrew on Monday received a special citation for gymnastics from the Philippine Sportswriters Association on the same night that his older brother and double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo accepted the Athlete of the Year honor.

Article continues after this advertisement

“Of course [I’m proud], he’s my brother, the Athlete of the Year. I also want an award like that, Athlete of the Year.  I’m so proud of him, always,” said Karl Eldrew told reporters in Filipino while standing beside Carlos.

“I cried so much when he won in the Olympics.  That’s his dream, and also my dream. So he also achieved my dream when he won gold.”

READ: Certainly a no-brainer: Carlos Yulo is PSA Athlete of Year

Article continues after this advertisement

The brothers had several interactions during the PSA Awards Night at Manila Hotel, posing for photos with their trophies and talking to reporters together  after the program.

Carlos’ relationship with his family, particularly with his mother, has been a hot topic for months following a rift that went public shortly after his victory in the Paris Olympics 2024. In turn, his relationship with Karl Eldrew has also been put under a microscope.

Karl Eldrew Yulo receives a special citation in gymnastics from the Philippine Sportswriters Association. –MARLO CUETO/INQUIRER.net

Karl Eldrew, 16, has been making a name for himself in gymnastics, putting on an impressive showing for the Philippine team in several competitions in 2024.

Carlos said he is proud of his brother’s improvements, seeing his performance on the mat firsthand after training together recently.

“I was gone for a while, so based on what I’ve seen in the training, he’s improved a lot. He’s also getting better at his favorite events. I’m super proud,” said Carlos of Karl Eldrew. “I’m happy I was able to train with my teammates again.”

READ: Back to chasing dreams, Carlos Yulo ‘not afraid to make mistakes’

When asked, Karl Edrew confirmed that his favorite apparatuses are also floor exercise and vault–the same events where Carlos bagged the historic gold medals in Paris.

Carlos believes that there’s a “good opportunity” for Karl Eldrew to excel in those events as well.

“He’s talented. There’s a good and big opportunity for him,” said Carlos. “He should continue his training and focus more on his goals in life.  I’m happy with what he’s doing. As long he’s not stepping on other people’s toes and he stays a good person, I’m okay with that.”