World champ Carlos Yulo started as a 'batang yagit' in Malate playground

Honored by a hero's welcome at his homecoming, newly-crowned world champion Carlos Yulo reflected on his humble beginnings as an athlete.

His homecoming was held at his alma mater Adamson University, according to a 24 Oras report by Sandra Aguinaldo.

The 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships gold medalist spoke about how he began his tumbling routines at a playground in Malate, Manila.

"Nag-start po kami sa may tapat po ng Manila Zoo po sa playground po. Du'n po kami nagta-tumbling... Ang dudungis pa po namin nun," Yulo said at the presscon.

"Tawag nga po sa amin noon mga batang yagit," he added.

Teachers and students game him a warm reception, which was not lost on the 19-year-old.

"Isang taon lang akong nag-aral dito pero grabe ang pagtanggap sa akin talaga. Gusto kong magpasalamat sa lahat ng naging teachers ko," he said.

Yulo is now focused on competing at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, but is also scheduled to join the SEA Games in November. He is open to be the Philippines' flag bearer.

With Yulo's success, many could not help but be curious about his lovelife.

"No comment po. Ha! Ha!" he said.

But when he was pressed why he could not comment on the issue, he clarified "Wala po, wala po." —Jamil Santos/JST, GMA News