Gymnast Carlos Yulo, the Philippines’ first-ever double gold medalist in the Olympics, had been through thick and thin in every aspect of life – on and off the mat.

And as he now enjoys the pinnacle of his young gymnastics career, the two-time world champion wanted to thank his younger self for not giving up.

Yulo said it was through his perseverence, as well as his faith, that helped him achieve the success he never thought he’d achieve when he was younger.

“Nagawa natin, talaga, nagawa natin. Gusto ko talagang mag-thank you hindi imposible ‘yong pinangarap mo talagang posible,” said Yulo in ‘Astig Ka, Carlos’ event where he received P5-million incentive from DigiPlus and ArenaPlus Saturday afternoon, Aug. 31, at Cinema 11 inside Gateway Mall 2 in Quezon City.

“With God talaga, kayang-kaya with the right people na naka-surround sayo, sa lahat ng mga challenges na na overcome talaga nabibilib ako sayo. Thank you so much,” he added.

Yulo, who started his humble beginnings in the notable grassroots tournament Palarong Pambansa, stressed how he was overwhelmed and joyful by being in the moment which he had been longing for.

A moment which according to him is the best gift that he has had given to himself.

“Pinapangarap ko from 2012 pa lang po na makatungtong sa Olympics, maka-gold po sa Olympics. Ayon po eh yong pinaka-best na regalo ko sa sarili ko, yong moment na yon eh,” said Yulo.

“Nagpapasalamat din talaga ako sa sarili ko na hindi ako sumuko, sobrang hinintay ko ang pagkakataon na yon, sobrang worth it po talaga,” he continued.

Year before the regional biennial meet, Yulo echoed that he will participate in the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

“Sa SEA Games yes po, maglalaro po ako dun,” said Yulo.

Qualification in the 2028 Los Angeles Games is a definite next move for Yulo but underscored he needed some rest before he and his team laid down their plans for the future competitions.

“Pero pag kumalma na po lahat gusto korin po magtake ng time para makapagpahinga [bago ilatag ‘yong  mga plano po namin],” he concluded.