Philippine sports history added another golden chapter as Carlos Yulo–Alex Eala were formally named Male and Female Athletes of the Year for 2025 by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA).
The recognition highlights a year in which Carlos Yulo-Alex Eala not only dominated their respective sports, but also elevated the Philippines’ standing on the global sporting stage.
The awarding ceremony for Carlos Yulo-Alex Eala will take place at the PSA Annual Awards Night on February 16, 2026, at the Diamond Hotel Manila, with San Miguel Corporation as major partner.
A Historic Co-Athlete of the Year Selection
The selection of Carlos Yulo-Alex Eala is historically significant. It marks only the second time in 22 years that the PSA has named co-Athletes of the Year, the last being in 2004 when Manny Pacquiao and Jennifer Rosales shared the honor.
- Carlos Yulo (25): PSA Athlete of the Year for the second straight year (2024, 2025)
- Alex Eala (20): First-ever PSA Athlete of the Year award, becoming the youngest Filipina recipient in over a decade
PSA President Francis Ochoa emphasized that both athletes were chosen not only for winning, but for changing global perceptions of Filipino athletes through consistency, professionalism, and international excellence.
Carlos Yulo: Records, Medals, and Sustained Global Dominance
For Carlos Yulo-Alex Eala, the male half of the honor belongs to Carlos Yulo, whose 2025 campaign proved that Olympic success can be sustained.
For Carlos Yulo-Alex Eala, the male half of the honor belongs to Carlos Yulo, whose 2025 campaign proved that Olympic success can be sustained.
Following his historic double-gold performance at the Paris Olympics, Carlos Yulo-Alex Eala saw Yulo continue his dominance across Asia and the world. He showed no signs of slowing down, delivering podium finishes with consistency rarely seen in elite gymnastics.
Carlos Yulo-Alex Eala: Carlos Yulo 2025 Major Results
| Competition | Event | Medal |
|---|---|---|
| Paris Olympics | Floor Exercise | Gold |
| Paris Olympics | Vault | Gold |
| Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships | Floor Exercise | Gold |
| Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships | Vault | Bronze |
| Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships | Parallel Bars | Bronze |
| Asian Artistic Gymnastics Championships | All-Around | Bronze |
| FIG World Championships (Indonesia) | Vault | Gold |
| FIG World Championships (Indonesia) | Floor Exercise | Bronze |
Carlos Yulo-Alex Eala: Carlos Yulo Career Records
| Record | Achievement |
|---|---|
| First Filipino Olympic double-gold medalist | Paris Olympics |
| Most decorated Filipino gymnast | Olympic, World & Asian medals |
| Longest Asian floor exercise gold streak | 4 consecutive titles |
| PSA Athlete of the Year | 2024 & 2025 |
For Carlos Yulo–Alex Eala, Yulo’s composure, execution scores, and consistency have set new benchmarks for Asian gymnastics.
Beyond medals, Yulo’s difficulty scores and execution consistency set new benchmarks for Asian gymnastics, while his calm under pressure has made him one of the most reliable finalists in world competitions.
Alex Eala: A Breakthrough Year That Rewrote Philippine Tennis History
If Yulo represented sustained greatness, Alex Eala symbolized historic breakthrough. Her 2025 season is widely regarded as the greatest single year by a Filipino tennis player in the Open Era.
Season-Defining Highlights
Eala’s rise began at the Miami Open, where the then world No. 140 delivered one of the tournament’s biggest Cinderella runs:
- Defeated Jelena Ostapenko (former French Open champion)
- Upset Madison Keys (Australian Open champion, world No. 5)
- Shocked Iga Swiatek (five-time Grand Slam champion, world No. 2)
- Reached the semifinals as a wild card
From there, her confidence and ranking skyrocketed across the season.
Alex Eala – Major Records & Firsts
| Record / Milestone | Significance |
|---|---|
| First Filipino to break WTA Top 50 | Achieved in 2025 |
| First Filipino (Open Era) in Wimbledon singles main draw | Historic debut |
| First Filipino (Open Era) to win a US Open main-draw match | Defeated Clara Tauson |
| First WTA singles title by a Filipino | Guadalajara 125 Open |
| SEA Games women’s singles gold | Ended 26-year drought |
| Youngest PSA Female Athlete of the Year (recent era) | Age 20 |
Alex Eala – 2025 Title & Ranking Summary
| Category | Result |
|---|---|
| Highest WTA Ranking (2025) | Top 50 |
| WTA Singles Titles | 1 |
| Grand Slam Main Draws Played | Wimbledon, US Open |
| SEA Games Gold Medals | 1 (Women’s Singles) |
A graduate of the Rafa Nadal Academy, Eala’s court intelligence, baseline consistency, and mental toughness have turned her into a global ambassador for Philippine tennis.
Why Carlos Yulo-Alex Eala Define a New Golden Era
Together, Carlos Yulo and Alex Eala represent two pillars of modern Philippine sports:
- Yulo embodies elite mastery and sustained excellence in a precision-based Olympic sport
- Eala symbolizes possibility, breaking long-standing barriers in a globally competitive tennis landscape
Their selection as PSA Athletes of the Year reflects more than statistics—it marks a shift in global respect for Filipino athletes, proving they can dominate in disciplines traditionally ruled by sporting superpowers.
As the spotlight turns to February 16 at the Diamond Hotel Manila, the celebration will not only honor two champions—but also a generation inspired by their courage, discipline, and belief that Filipinos belong at the very top of world sport.
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FAQ: Carlos Yulo–Alex Eala
1.Why were Carlos Yulo–Alex Eala named Athletes of the Year for 2025?
Carlos Yulo–Alex Eala were honored by the PSA for their outstanding international achievements and record-breaking performances in 2025.
2.When and where will the Carlos Yulo–Alex Eala awards be presented?
The Carlos Yulo–Alex Eala awards will be presented on February 16, 2026, at the Diamond Hotel Manila.
3.Why is the Carlos Yulo–Alex Eala selection historic?
Carlos Yulo–Alex Eala are only the second male–female pair in 22 years to be named PSA Athletes of the Year.
4.What were the biggest 2025 highlights for Carlos Yulo–Alex Eala?
Carlos Yulo–Alex Eala were highlighted by Yulo’s double Olympic gold and Eala’s breakthrough into the WTA Top 50 with her first WTA title.