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Yulo, 25, is skipping the biennial meet after host country Thailand imposed severe restrictions on the gymnastics events. Organizers removed the individual and team all-around events and, crucially, implemented a rule limiting gymnasts like Yulo to winning only one gold medal in an individual apparatus final, regardless of how many events they qualify for.

“If they give their best, I know they can do it,” Yulo, who won two gold medals at the Paris Olympics last year, told Manila Times. “In their previous competitions, their performances may not have been great, but I know they prepared really hard for the SEA Games.”

“I just wish that all their performances and trainings go safely. And of course, I hope they enjoy the competition. The competition itself is already tough, and what they’re doing is tough, so I hope they get to enjoy it when the competition comes.”

Leading the charge for the men’s team are John Ivan Cruz and Juancho Miguel Besana, who won the floor exercise and vault events at the last SEA Games in Cambodia in 2023. They are joined by Jhon Romeo Santillan, Justin Ace De Leon, James Benedict Yray, Arcenio Cadlos, and Enrico Ostia. Paris Olympians Aleah Finnegan and Emma Malabuyo will lead the way for the women’s team.

Yulo’s absence means the Philippines will miss its most decorated athlete. In three SEA Games editions, Yulo won a total of nine gold and nine silver medals. The 25-year-old added to his legacy with two Olympic gold medals at Paris 2024, winning both the floor exercise and vault.