Carlos Yulo Explains His Height
CARLOS YULO – The two-time Olympic gold medalist addressed the topic of his height, standing at 4’9″, which has attracted criticism from some who have labeled him “midget” or “pandak.”
He explained that his height might be due to his rigorous training schedule, which involves six hours of practice daily without breaks for holidays or weekends. According to Carlos, his intense training, particularly in floor exercises, puts significant pressure on his knees and prevents his bones from stretching, which may have affected his growth.
Carlos noted that his shorter stature has been advantageous in gymnastics, making it easier for him to perform complex moves, a point echoed by comparisons to Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, who is only 4’8″ tall. His size has helped him execute high-difficulty maneuvers that require precision and control, giving him a competitive edge in his sport.
“I never stopped training. That explains bakit hindi na po ako lumaki. ‘Yung mga buto ko po sa tuhod ay hindi ma-i-stretch dahil hindi po ako tumigil sa training. Most specially when I train for floor exercise where there’s extreme impact on the feet and the knee,” he said. “I train for six hours a day. Three hours in the morning, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. Three hours also in the afternoon, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. I train every day. No holiday. No birthday. No weekends,” he added.
However, despite his explanation, some believe that genetics is the primary reason behind his height, rather than his training routine. Critics argue that regardless of his demanding schedule, his genetic makeup likely plays a more significant role in determining his stature. While the debate continues about the influence of training versus genetics on his height, Carlos remains focused on his performance, using his physical attributes to excel in gymnastics and prove his skills on the global stage.