By ANGELO CAPARAS
Rising star Karl Eldrew Yulo believes he and his double Olympic gold medalist brother Carlos are built differently.
The younger Yulo, together with Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion, joked that the only thing he could take from his brother Carlos is their last name.
“Di ko po alam kung ano yung ico-copy ko [kay kuya]. Different species [kasi kami],” Eldrew said in jest.
“Siguro po ang ma-duplicate ko lang ay ‘yung last name. We have different styles, we have different forms,” he added.
Eldrew also pointed out that one thing he hopes to take from his brother is his relentless work ethic.
The 17-year-old gymnast also sees Carlos as a source of motivation, especially now that he is set to compete in the World Junior Artistic Gymnastics Championships this November at the Marriott Hotel in Pasay.
“Hindi ko po siya [tinuturing] na parang rival. Ang gusto ko lang po ay ma-achieve ko ‘yun [nagawa niya]. Ginagawa ko lang po siyang motivation para magawa ko po kung ano ‘yung nararapat.”
“I will gonna do my very best lang po talaga para maachieve ko yung goal ko,” said Eldrew when asked if he aims to surpass his brother Carlos’ two Olympic gold medals.
Eldrew will be playing his final year as a junior before moving up to the senior ranks, with hopes of representing the Philippines alongside Carlos in the 2028 Olympic in Los Angeles.
The five-foot-one gymnast is set to train in Japan under the guidance of his coach, Munehiro Kugimiya — Carlos’ former mentor.
“Me and coach Muneh will fix my routine everyday. Lilinisin po namin lahat. Gagawa po kami ng mga bagong skills,” he added.
Carrion emphasized that she believes in Eldrew’s potential, but she doesn’t want to place any pressure on the young gymnast.
“Even if you get silver, that’s good enough, Eldrew,” said Carrion.
Eldrew, who won a silver medal in the vault finals of Asian Championships, will compete in all events for the Junior World Championships.
