From making otherworldly routines on the gymnastics mat, two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo is taking his talents to the open seas as he expressed commitment to serve the country beyond sports.
This, as the 24-year-old artistic gymnast has been enlisted into the reserve force of the Philippine Navy (PN) with hopes of inspiring the youth to serve the country.
Yulo was given the rank petty officer first class (PO1) when he joined the PN reserve force in a ceremony held at the PN headquarters in Manila on Tuesday, Oct. 1.
“I am proud to have the privilege of being enlisted in the Philippine Navy Reserve Force, a recognition I never expected in my lifetime. Wearing this Navy uniform fills me with immense pride. With all my heart, I thank the Philippine Navy for this prestigious recognition,” Yulo said.
“I will uphold its core values and inspire today’s youth, showing them that through sports, they too can serve our country,” he added.
PN Flag Officer in Command, Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. said he is confident that Yulo will be able to bring his dedication, discipline, and drive – qualities that made him a champion on the world stage – to the PN and inspire other people.
“We know that when you commit to something, you give it your all. I am confident you will do the same as a reservist, standing alongside men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and uplifting our nation,” said Adaci in a message delivered by Maj. Gen. Joseph Ferrous Cuison, commander of the Naval Reserve Command.
Yulo made history when he won gold at the at the floor exercise and vault events of the men’s artistic gymnastics at the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, France in August.
Yulo joined a growing list of prominent personalities who joined the navy or marine reserve force such as celebrities Navy Petty Officer Third Class Enrico Raphael “Rocco” Nacino, Marine Lieutenant Commander Jose Sixto "Dingdong" Gonzalez Dantes III, Seaman First Class (SN1) Karina Bautista, and Master Sergeant Teresita Ssen "Winwyn" Marquez, Chief Petty Officer Christopher De Leon, Chief Petty Officer Richard Gomez and his wife, Marine Master Sergeant Luzy Marie Torres-Gomez among others.