Carlos Yulo, Alex Eala Lead Contenders for 2025 Athlete of the Year
Two of Philippine sports’ brightest stars — Carlos Yulo and Alex Eala — are emerging as leading contenders for the 2025 Athlete of the Year honor, following historic performances that elevated Filipino athletics on the global stage.
Yulo continued to cement his legacy as one of the world’s elite gymnasts after a remarkable run highlighted by his success at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where he delivered a historic medal haul for the Philippines. Building on that momentum, the 25-year-old further showcased his dominance by capturing gold in the vault at the 53rd FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Jakarta, Indonesia. He also added a bronze medal in the floor exercise, reinforcing his reputation as a consistent force in international gymnastics.
Beyond the World Championships, Yulo remained unstoppable across Asia, ruling the floor exercise at the Artistic Gymnastics Asian Championships in Jecheon, Korea. His sustained excellence across multiple competitions has kept him firmly among the world’s top gymnasts and a perennial source of national pride.
Meanwhile, tennis sensation Alex Eala delivered one of the most groundbreaking seasons in Philippine tennis history. The 20-year-old surged into the global spotlight after breaking into the WTA Top 50, becoming the first Filipina to reach that milestone. Her breakthrough was fueled by a semifinal run at the Miami Open, followed by her maiden WTA 125 title in Mexico — achievements that signaled her arrival among the sport’s rising international stars.
Eala’s banner year reached its emotional peak at the 2025 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand, where she captured gold in women’s singles, ending a 26-year drought for Philippine tennis in the event. Her victory resonated deeply with fans, symbolizing both a personal triumph and a historic moment for the country’s sporting community.
The impact of Yulo and Eala’s accomplishments extends beyond medals and rankings. Their performances helped raise the profile of Philippine sports globally, inspiring a new generation of athletes across disciplines.
Also mentioned among this year’s top performers are golfer Miguel Tabuena, pole vaulter Ernest John “EJ” Obiena, and swimmer Kayla Sanchez — all of whom delivered notable international results. However, the sustained excellence and historic breakthroughs achieved by Yulo and Eala have placed them at the forefront of discussions ahead of the Philippine Sportswriters Association Awards Night, where the prestigious Athlete of the Year honor will be announced.
As Philippine sports continues its upward trajectory, the achievements of Carlos Yulo and Alex Eala stand as defining moments — proof that Filipino athletes can compete, excel, and lead on the world stage.
