The pin

August 07, 2024, 6:20 AM

Carlos Yulo has become a household name in the world of gymnastics. The 24-year-old Manila-born Filipino has surprised his countrymen and the rest of the world by winning two gold medals at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games. Yulo achieved these impressive victories in the floor and vault competitions, establishing himself as a leading figure in international gymnastics.

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In the vault, Yulo scored an average of 15.116 points, beating Armenia’s Artur Davtyan, who took silver with 14.966 points, and Britain’s Harry Hepworth, who took bronze with 14.949 points. After winning his medal, Yulo expressed his surprise and gratitude, saying: “I expected to do well. I didn’t really expect a medal.” Furthermore, he dedicated his victory to the Filipino people, saying: “We are a really small country… so to be able to get a gold medal for us is something big, it’s huge. “I dedicate it to the Filipino people who supported me.”

News of their triumphs had a huge impact in the Philippines. According to the BBC, Yulo's achievement caused a veritable “Yulomania” in his home country. Authorities, restaurants and even medical clinics offered him numerous awards and lifetime favors. An interesting detail was the offer of a gastroenterologist to provide Yulo with free consultations and colonoscopies for life, while the University of Mindanao promised him university credits.

In Manila, Yolo is being given a hero's welcome. City Mayor Honey Lacuna said a hero's welcome is being prepared for him and all Filipino Olympians who participated in Paris. Lacuna said the Philippine capital will offer him cash incentives, prizes and tokens of eternal gratitude for representing the country on the world stage.

At just 24 years old, Yulo has already left an indelible mark on the history of Philippine and world gymnastics. Her success has shown that despite being a small country, the Philippines has the potential to produce elite athletes who can compete and win on the biggest stages of world sport. Yulo’s impact on Philippine gymnastics is also reflected in the growing interest and support for the sport in his country. Gymnastics academies are seeing an increase in enrollment of children and young adults who dream of following in her footsteps.

In this context, the contribution of educational and healthcare institutions, as well as the private sector in the Philippines, has been crucial in supporting Yulo and other athletes. The lifetime awards and services are a recognition of the effort and sacrifices they make to represent their country. These initiatives not only benefit the athletes, but also inspire the next generation of Filipino athletes.

The unusual gifts Carlos Yulo received

The Philippine government will give the gymnast P10 million (US$173,300), the reward promised to any gold medalist in the country.

“A real estate company has promised the athlete a fully furnished three-bedroom house in McKinley Hill, worth over $400,000, in the largest residential complex in Manila.”

“The Philippine House of Representatives has pledged to give Yolo another six million pesos (US$103,000) in cash.”

“The gastroenterologist offered him free consultations and colonoscopies for life.”

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