Filipino gymnastics superstar Carlos Yulo will not compete in the upcoming 2025 Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Thailand, a decision fully supported by Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP) President Cynthia Carrion.

Thailand has introduced a controversial rule in artistic gymnastics, limiting male gymnasts like Yulo to only one apparatus in individual events. Reports later clarified that competitors may enter two apparatus, but can qualify for only one final, drastically reducing medal opportunities for top performers.

Carrion said Yulo chose to step aside to give his teammates a chance to shine, especially amid new event restrictions imposed by the host nation.

Yulo’s absence marks a major shift from his 2023 SEA Games campaign, where he captured two gold medals in the individual all-around and parallel bars, and earned two silver medals in the team event and rings.

Despite skipping the regional competition, Yulo remains laser-focused on the 53rd Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Indonesia, set to begin on October 19, where he and the Philippine team aim to make another strong international showing.