The Philippines’ Carlos Edriel Yulo competes in the artistic gymnastics men’s vault final of the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games at the Ariake Gymnastics Centre in Tokyo on August 2, 2021. (Photo by Lionel BONAVENTURE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Carlos Yulo came excruciatingly close to becoming the Philippines’ second medalist at the Tokyo Olympics after he finished fourth overall in the artistic gymnastics men’s vault final.
The Filipino bet had a total of 14.716, just 0.017 less than bronze medalist Artur Davtyan of Armenia, who finished with 14.733.
It can also be argued that Yulo had a legitimate chance for gold with his final mark just 0.067 below top placer Shin Jeahwan of South Korea and silver medalist Denis Abliazin of the Russian Olympic Committee.
“We really can’t do anything about it anymore, I was really close,” said Yulo in Filipino. “I had a chance for a medal if only I landed properly.”
Yulo’s first vault was scored 14.566 after his right foot fell outside the mat but he had a 14.866 in the second vault for his Dragulescu, a handspring double front move with half turn.
The Dragulescu was actually the best mark in the second vault for all the competitors but Yulo’s first run ultimately dragged his score below the podium.
“I kind of regret what happened because I had a great second vault,” said the 21-year-old Yulo, who wanted to redeem himself after failing to qualify for the medal round of the men’s floor exercise—his pet event.
Maraming salamat po Pilipinas ❤️🇵🇭🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/3YMt4qJaZZ
— Carlos Edriel Yulo (@c_edrielzxs) August 2, 2021
Nevertheless, Yulo vowed that he would come back stronger as he preps up to compete in the All-Japan Seniors in September.
“I want to get stronger, I feel that I can be better,” said Yulo.
“I won’t go home to the Philippines yet because I still have a competition here next month. I want to redeem myself.”