Carlos Yulo, now part of Navy Reserve Force

CARLOS YULO, who made sporting history with his heroic performance at the 2024 Paris Olympics, will now serve as a member of the Philippine Navy Reserve Force after taking oath on Monday, at the Navy Headquarters.

After making history as the first Filipino athlete to win two gold medals at the Paris Games, the Golden Boy is embarking on a new mission for the Philippines.

“I am proud to have the privilege of being enlisted in the Philippine Navy Reserve Force, a recognition I never expected in my lifetime. Wearing this Navy uniform fills me with immense pride,” said Yulo.

“With all my heart, I thank the Philippine Navy for this prestigious recognition. I will uphold its core values and inspire today’s youth, showing them that through sports, they too can serve our country.”

Welcome to the Navy

According to the Naval Public Affairs Office (NPAO), the artistic gymnast will be classified as a Petty Officer 1st Class. This is also not the first time that an Olympian has served the country for a greater purpose. 

Yulo will now join Tokyo Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and bronze medalist Eumir Marcial in the Air Force. Nesthy Petecio, a two-time Olympic medalist, meanwhile, is with the Coast Guard.

“Your dedication, discipline, and drive made you a champion on the world stage, and now, you bring those same qualities to the Philippine Navy,” said Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. on Yulo’s appointment.

“We know that when you commit to something, you give it your all. I am confident you will do the same as a reservist, standing alongside men and women who dedicate their lives to protecting and uplifting our nation.”

According to the NPAO, the event showed the Navy’s mission to develop outstanding people who reflect the qualities of discipline, dedication, and service with the ongoing aim of inspiring and uplifting the Filipino people and nation.

Breaking gender barriers once more

In the same breath as inspiring Filipinos, Yulo has been celebrated since his success in artistic gymnastics for breaking the current gender barriers that Philippine society continues to face.

On an Instagram post, the gymnast was spotted in Korea, displaying a tight blue crop top that highlighted his physique while also allowing him to express himself.

“Women’s lang nagkakasya sa akin, kasi pag sa men’s ako pumunta, malaki po masyado. Yung proportion po ng katawan ko maliit ako, so pinapahaba po yung legs pag naka-crop top,” explained Yulo.

Nonetheless, the Golden Boy received a lot of love in the comments portion of his post for consistently breaking the toxic masculinity that has become so prevalent in today’s culture.

“Winning the Olympics and now, breaking toxic masculinity and cultural codes of dressing up.

Carlos, you’re the gold!” said an Instagram user.

“Breaking gender stereotypes sa sports, now sa fashion! More reasons to love you Caloy!” says another Instagram user.

The Filipino star gymnast has had an exciting post-Olympic season. Meanwhile, Yulo is preparing to shift his focus and begin training in November, with a goal of inspiring more Filipinos come 2025.