Carlos Yulo clinches Paris Olympics berth through bounce back in floor at gymnastics worlds

Carlos Yulo is heading to Paris! Jade Moya (file photo)

By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA—Carlos Yulo secured for himself a return to the Summer Olympics as he qualified for next year's games in Paris through this year's World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Antwerp.

As announced by the Philippine Olympic Committee on Sunday night, Yulo clinched his place in the Paris Olympics through his strongest platform, the floor exercise.

Although he settled for third place in the floor during the qualifying round, Yulo booked his place as top finisher Artem Dolgopyat of Israel and second placer Fred Richard of the United States already qualified for Paris in previous tournaments.

According to the world championship rules, the highest-ranked eligible athlete among those who have yet to qualify for the Olympics gets the coveted berth, favoring Yulo.

Yulo's splendid performance in the floor that led to the Olympic berth made up for his disastrous performance in the vault where he botched his first jump.

Yulo became the second Filipino to join the Paris Olympics after pole vaulter EJ Obiena, who was fresh from ruling the Asian Games.

Yulo will return on Saturday for the floor final.

Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno