CARLOS YULO became the Philippines’ golden boy over the weekend, winning two gold medals in the artistic gymnastics men’s floor exercise and vault finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Photo Courtesy: International Gymnastics Federation | Facebook
Yulo won the gold medal in the floor exercise with a final average of 15.000, beating Tokyo Games champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel (14.966) and Great Britain’s Jake Jarman (14.933).
After just a day, he won the gold medal in the vault category with a final average of 15.166, defeating Armenia’s Artur Davtyan (14.966) and Great Britain’s Harry Hepworth (14.949).
With his amazing performances, the 24-year-old gymnast became the first Filipino to win two Olympic gold medals. Yulo received numerous congratulatory notes after his name was added to the Filipino sports history books.
We’re proud of you!
In addition to the countless incentives that await the Filipino gymnast, social media was swamped with congratulations, including one from the Philippines’ first-ever Olympic gold winner, Hidilyn Diaz.
“Para sa iyo Caloy, proud ako sa iyo. I enjoy mo ang bunga ng pinagpaguran mo. At lagi mong ibabalik – sa Diyos at bayan, dahil lahat ng tagumpay natin ay hindi pansarili,” says Diaz on an Instagram post.
“Salamat sa lahat ng maganda at mabuting ginagawa at gagawin mo pa para sa
Diyos at bayan! Congratulations! Nandito lang ang Ate Haidie mo para sa iyo lagi!”
Besides Diaz, the golden boy was also greeted by his co-Olympians in Paris, namely pole vaulter EJ Obiena, swimmer Kayla Sanchez, co-gymnast Levi Jung-Ruivivar, and the others.
A salute from the President
The President of the Philippines, Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr., also expressed gratitude to the star gymnast for bringing pride and honor to the country with his performance.
“No words can express how proud we are of you, Caloy. You have achieved gold for the Philippines not once, but twice!” says Pres. Marcos on a Facebook post.
“Filipinos all over the world stood united, cheering and rooting for you. Aming ipinagmamalaki ang tagumpay mong nagniningning! Saludo kami sa iyo!”
The proudest of them all
The most important greetings Yulo has gotten come from his family. His father, Mark Andrew Yulo, and grandfather, Rodrigo Frisco, cannot express how happy they are of his success.
“Ang lalakas ng kalaban niya, talagang nakalaban niya yan sa nakaraang Olympics, talagang madugo yang laban na yan. Pinagpaguran niya,” said Mark Andrew.
“Anak. Congrats ulit, na-double gold ka na. History na ‘yan. Sana mag-bonding tayo ng kapatid mo at mama mo.”
Photo Courtesy: International Gymnastics Federation | Facebook
On the other hand, Yulo’s grandfather was responsible for all the country saw from him. Frisco introduced Yulo to gymnastics in 2008, and he fell in love with the sport.
“Naku, jusko. Ang masasabi ko, hindi ko alam kung gaano kasaya, hindi ko ma-explain sa sobrang saya,” the ecstatic grandfather shared.
“Nadagdagan ang saya ko kasi parang dininig ni God ang prayers ko na maka-gold siya sa Olympics,” his grandfather spoke of the double joy, noting that he was also celebrating his birthday when his grandson won.
Carlos Yulo’s name will be remembered by all sports fans for how he single-handedly carried the entire country with each leap he took. The golden boy will continue to fly and contribute more to the country in the future.
