Carlos Yulo falls, tries to salvage Paris Olympics bid in floor final

Philippines’ Carlos Edriel Yulo performs during the men’s qualifying session during the 52nd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships, in Antwerp, northern Belgium, on September 30, 2023. (Photo by Kenzo TRIBOUILLARD / AFP)

MANILA, Philippines—Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo failed to advance to the men’s individual all-around final in the 2023 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, significantly harming his bid to qualify for the Olympics.

Only the top eight after the individual all-around qualifications–outside of those who have already qualified–will secure their slots for the 2024 Paris Olympics.

Yulo’s last shot in Antwerp, Belgium is finishing as the best-ranked athlete in floor exercise, his pet event where he was once a world champion.  He is currently ranked third and is on pace to make the final round.

The top gymnasts in each apparatus final will be given a ticket to Paris.

Here's Carlos in action 👋

Watch Live: https://t.co/by95XbtL2D#ARTWorlds2023 https://t.co/Yf4z0PVESq pic.twitter.com/KM4js815g4

— FIG (@gymnastics) September 30, 2023

In shocking fashion, Yulo bowed out of championship contention after tallying just 67.76 points in six routines. 

He fell on his back twice, registering zero points in his pet event vault–where he was also a world champion in 2021. 

After the four apparatuses, Yulo still looked like he could crack the top 24 that would advance to the next round after tallying 14.66 points in parallel bars, 14.6 in floor exercise, 13.7 in horizontal bar and 13.23 in pommel horse.

His hopes of advancing to the next phase, however, came crashing down after scoring only 11.57 points in the still rings.

Yulo’s poor outing on Sunday also signaled his first performance without long time coach Munehiro Kugimiya. Filipino coach Aldrin Castaneda is currently mentoring Yulo in the Antwerp tilt.

All hope is not lost for Philippine gymnastics’ chance for a Paris appearance as Aleah Finnegan and Kylee Kvamme compete in the women’s all-around events on Monday.