Karl Eldrew Yulo opens up about how his older brother Carlos Yulo helps him navigate self-doubt, particularly when it comes to gymnastics.
The episode initially features an interview with Carlos, conducted by Unang Hirit hosts Susan Enriquez and Joy Barcoma, also known as “Jusa.”
Later in the episode, the 2026 Asian Games bronze medalist joins his brother on the show, giving viewers a glimpse into how the Yulo brothers support each other both inside and outside the gym.
Read: Carlos Yulo shares sneak peek of siblings’ new home
Carlos helps Eldrew manage self-doubt
When Susan asked what kind of support Carlos gives him as an older brother, Eldrew replies, “Not just in sports po. Tinutulungan niya po ako sa mental ko po, lalo na po sa mental.”
The younger Yulo says the past few months have been particularly challenging because he has struggled with self-doubt before performing difficult skills and routines.
“...grabe po talaga yung doubt ko sa sarili ko kapag gagawin ko yung skills or routines na gustong gawin ko."
According to Eldrew, hesitation sometimes keeps him from executing a skill properly: his body knows what to do, but his thoughts get in the way.
“And hindi ko siya magawa nang maayos dulot ng pagda-doubt ko sa sarili ko dahil kinokontrol ng mind ko yung katawan ko po,” he adds.
The 18-year-old athlete thanks his brother Carlos for helping him work through these mental concerns.
Read: Carlos Yulo: 5 months after his historic Paris 2024 Olympics feat
Eldrew turns to Carlos for gymnastics advice
Eldrew also describes their relationship inside the gym.
When he needs help with a particular skill, he usually turns to his kuya for advice, especially when their coach is unavailable.
“Ako naman po talaga yung lumalapit sa kanya na, ‘Kuya, paano po ba gawin ito?’” Eldrew says.
He acknowledges that he also asks his coach for guidance, but Carlos is another person he can turn to because of his experience.
“Kapag wala po si Coach or hindi available si coach, sa kanya [Carlos] po ako lumalapit at nanghihingi po ako ng help sa kanya kung paano gawin yung skills ko kasi siya yung mas experienced na gawin yung skills na iyon,” he explains.
The dynamic gives Eldrew his own source of support from a sibling who happens to be someone who has already competed at the highest level of the sport.
Read: Karl Eldrew Yulo gifts brand-new car to parents Mark, Angelica
The brothers also talk about what it feels like for Eldrew to compete alongside Carlos at the Asian Games.
For Eldrew, sharing the competition floor with his older brother is something he has wanted since he was younger.
He says: “Parang dream come true po kasi simula nung bata pa po ako, gustung-gusto ko na po talaga na maging senior or senior level.”
Eldrew recalls that he often competed alone during his junior years, describing the experience as lonely.
“As a kid parang ang boring nang ikaw lang mag-isa,” he says.
He even jokes about how awkward it can feel to have no one with you during competitions.
“Kung gugustuhin mo man lumabas, parang hindi ka makatawa kasi walang, wala kang kasama.
“Ang iniisip mo is mahihiya ka na lang po kasi ikaw lang mag-isa. Pag tumawa ka pa mag-isa, baliw ka na.”
Now, having Carlos beside him gives him someone to share those experiences with.
Read: Olympic gold medalists Hidilyn Diaz, Carlos Yulo reunite in Paris
Carlos teLLS Eldrew that they have different paths
Being the younger brother of one of the Philippines’ most accomplished gymnasts naturally comes with expectations.
But when Jusa asks whether having a two-time gold medalist for a kuya makes Eldrew feel pressured or motivated, he says it motivates him more than it pressures him.
“Mas namo-motivate po ako kasi naka-inspire po siya ng sobrang daming young athletes and of course kasama ako doon,” Eldrew says.
He admits, however, that the expectations surrounding him can still create pressure.
Carlos, according to Eldrew, helps him put those expectations into perspective by reminding him that they do not have to follow the same trajectory.
“Tinuruan niya rin ako na magkaiba kami ng path,” Eldrew relates. “And I have my own timeline and meron akong sariling work.”
For the teenage gymnast, the greater challenge is not necessarily trying to match Carlos’ medal haul. Instead, he says he feels pressure to make a name for himself.
“And siguro mas na-pressure ako sa pag-build ng character,” he says.
He admits that the process is gradual, but he is seeing progress.
“Slowly, step by step,” Eldrew says. “Sobrang bagal pero meron improvement naman po.”
Read: Carlos Yulo, 24, now a Philippine Navy Reservist
Carlos remains on good terms with his siblings, following a confirmation on TV earlier this year.
In an interview on Fast Talk With Boy Abunda on March 23, 2026, Chloe revealed that she encouraged Carlos to reconnect with his siblings even amid past tensions.
“We’re good po,” she said, adding that she pushed him to maintain a relationship with them even in their difficult moments.
Carlos confirmed he has since reconciled with his siblings. This was also further proven by his presence at the blessing of his siblings' house.
The Olympic gold medalist also said he holds no anger and continues to pray for his family.
On reconciling with his parents, Carlos had this to say: “Ako, wala akong galit sa puso ko. Wala kahit anong galit, sama ng loob, pagtatampo.
“Wala akong naramdaman na ganoon kahit yung times na nilagay nila ako sa ganoong sitwasyon, na hindi naman totoo, at hindi naman namin ginawa. Napatawad ko po sila.
“Ngayon, kung tatanungin ako ni Lord, ‘Gusto mo ba sila makasama?’ wala naman pong problema.
“Ako, tinray ko yung best ko na kausapin sila. Mapag-ayos ang lahat, pero hindi ko po hawak yung sagot na iyon.”