Bangkok: Olympic gold medalist Carlos Andrea Yulo has confirmed that he will not participate in the upcoming SEA Games, opening up an opportunity for Thikamporn Surinthontha of Thailand to aim for a gold medal. Yulo’s decision comes as the Philippine national gymnast travels to Thailand for training, ten days before the SEA Games commence.

According to Thai News Agency, the Thai national gymnastics team has been diligently preparing for the 33rd SEA Games at their training facility on Soi Petchkasem 81 since December 2024. The competition will feature events in women’s artistic gymnastics, men’s artistic gymnastics, rhythmic gymnastics, and aerobic gymnastics, with a total of 15 gold medals available. The Thai Gymnastics Association has set a target to secure at least five gold medals.

Dr. Kusuman Prasertsri, Vice President of the Gymnastics Association of Thailand, reported that all categories of gymnasts are training together at the center. Meanwhile, the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines has arranged for their national team to train alongside the Thai athletes. This collaboration has been approved by the association’s president, Lt. Cdr. Sarayut Pattanasak.

The Philippine team will arrive in two groups. The first group, comprising four male artistic gymnasts, two coaches, and a team doctor, will train from November 29 to December 6. The second group, consisting of six rhythmic gymnasts and two coaches, will train from December 3 to 11 and remain until they move to the athletes’ village. This arrangement underscores the cooperative spirit between neighboring countries.

Carlos Andrea Yulo’s decision to skip the SEA Games is attributed to his focus on preparing for the Asian Games in Japan next year. This decision enhances Thikamporn Surinthontha’s prospects for a gold medal, especially in light of her recent fifth-place finish in the world on the floor exercise. Despite competition from Vietnam and Malaysia, Thikamporn’s chances of victory have improved with Yulo’s absence.