After months of rest and recreation, double Olympic champion Carlos Yulo will return to his training next year as he prepares for the gymnastics world championships and the 33rd Southeast Asian Games.

In an interview with Radyo Pilipinas 2 Sports, the 24-year-old Yulo said he needs to get back in shape after a long lull since he won two gold medals in the Paris Olympics last August.

The pride of Leveriza, Manila knew he is now a marked man with all his rivals trying to improve and beat the Filipino wonder in future competitions.

“‘Yong mindset ko po talaga. [Especially ngayon] na kailangan ko pong magsipag, knowing ‘yong mga co-gymnasts ko po from other countries, hindi po sila nagpahinga talaga and nagti-training parin sila,” said Yulo.

“Kailangan ko pong matapatan po ulit ‘yon and I'm really looking forward po sa mga next year na trainings po and ma-test ulit ‘yong sarili ko sa mga competitions po,” he added. “Pahinga ng kaunti kasi next year bakbakan na po ulit."

Yulo is set to join the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in October in Jakarta, Indonesia. He reigned supreme twice in floor exercise (2019) and vault (2021).

Frome there, the diminutive athlete also bagged two silvers and two bronzes since 2018.

Yulo is also expected to banner the Nationals in the SEA Games which is set in Thailand in December where he might compete alongside his younger sister and rising gymnast star Elaiza. On the other hand, Eldrew, is still ineligible due to his age.

If the stars align, the two-time world champion hopes he can defend his Olympic titles in the 2028 Los Angeles edition.

“Hoping po kami na umabot po kami sa gano’ng point po,” said Yulo. “Sana mabigyan din po sila ng opportunity na makapag-training sa iba’t ibang countries ng makita din po nila ‘yong ibat’ ibang kultura ng sports, ‘yong spirit ng pagiging atleta po.”