MANILA, Philippines -- Amid all the changes in the life of double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, the dedication and hunger to improve stays the same.
Yulo made history in the Paris Olympics after winning two gold medals – the first-ever Filipino to do so.
The 24-year-old gymnast said that with the success he saw in Paris, and the overwhelming changes in his life, the desire to improve and win stays the same.
“The dedication and hunger to compete and train, to level up [remains the same], ” Yulo told reporters in Filipino at the sidelines of the adidas athlete homecoming event Monday.
Yulo previously said that he is aiming to make it to the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028.
Aside from the appetite to win more in upcoming tournaments, Yulo said that his attitude and core values remained the same.
“Being good to myself and the people I inspire, that remains the same. And, my attitude towards training, I feel it stayed,” he said.
On the flipside, the gymnast also saw a number of changes in his life.
“[What changed] is being this famous. I did not expect this big of an impact. Also, I am now more connected with God, I now have a deeper relationship with Him,” Yulo said.
“I sacrificed my childhood and my time. I dedicated all my time to my dreams… I am really grateful that this is the experience I had, and all my hard work paid off.”
Yulo and other Olympians were welcomed by adidas in an athlete homecoming event on Monday, where they were also given personalized Stan Smith sneakers with their faces.