Two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo recently revealed the significant challenges he faced on his journey to success, including a period where he struggled with severe depression.
During a press conference on August 31, Yulo received a ₱5 million ‘Astig Hero Bonus’ from DigiPlus and Arena Plus for his two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. He also renewed his contract as a celebrity ambassador for Arena Plus, which has supported him throughout his career.
Speaking to the media, including LionhearTV, Yulo discussed the hardships he encountered, particularly during his early training years in Japan. In 2016, at just 16 years old, Yulo left the Philippines to train in Japan, where he faced immense challenges, including cultural and language barriers that led to severe anxiety.
“Nu’ng pumunta ako sa Japan, 2016, 16 years old po ako, malayo sa pamilya, malayo sa lahat. Walang kakilala, hindi alam yung culture at hindi alam yung language and hindi rin naman ako kagaling mag-English that time. And kahit marunong akong mag-English, hindi rin naman sila marunong mag-English. So, yung barrier na po na yun ako nahirapan and sobrang shock po ako,” Yulo shared.
“Mabigat po yun para sa mga teenager na kagaya ko that time. And siyempre, mahirap din po yung training, iba po yung training sa Pilipinas and ibang-iba rin po yung sa Japan.”
The young gymnast admitted that the isolation and intense training environment took a toll on his mental health, leading him to experience depression and even thoughts of ending his life. He recalled a particularly dark moment when he turned to prayer for comfort.
“Umabot na rin po sa point na na-depress ako and gusto nang mawala sa mundo. And ang ginawa ko nagdasal po ako talaga that day. And hindi rin kasi ako makatulog. And naisip ko na mawala na talaga. Nagdasal ako kay Lord hanggang sa nakatulog ako. The next day medyo okay na po, pero hindi pa rin po natatapos yung challenges. Nandoon pa rin yung mga diffuculties, hindi talaga maiwasan pero may clarity na po after kong mag-pray and when I wake up po, mas lively na ko nang konti. Yun po, yun po yung pinakapinanghawakan ko,” Yulo recounted. “Every time na nalulungkot ako, nagpe-pray po talaga ‘ko.”
Yulo expressed his deep gratitude to God and to everyone who has supported him, stating that their encouragement helped him overcome the numerous challenges he faced.
Watch on TikTok
DigiPlus Chairman Eusebio H. Tanco praised Yulo’s resilience and determination, saying, “Carlos Yulo truly embodies the ‘astig’ Pinoy spirit. We couldn’t be [more proud] of how he has represented both our country and DigiPlus. Our warmest congratulations to him!”
