By Ronald O. Reyes
MANILA, Philippines (OSV News) — A church official in the Philippines has joined others to celebrate a historic double gold that gymnast Carlos Yulo won at the Paris Olympics.
The 24-year-old Filipino made history by clinching a gold medal in the artistic gymnastic floor exercise on Aug. 3 and another gold in the vault event the following day.
First Filipino to Achieve Double Gold
Yulo became the first Filipino athlete to secure two gold medals at the Olympics, following in the footsteps of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who won an Olympic gold in 2021.
A Century of Participation
The Philippines’ participation in the 2024 Olympics also marked the country’s 100th year of competing in the Games, highlighting the nation’s long-standing presence in the international sports arena.
Recognition of Extraordinary Achievement
Jing Rey Henderson, head of communications and partnership development at Caritas Philippines, praised Yulo’s remarkable success at the Olympics, emphasizing his perseverance, dedication, and unwavering faith.
Inspiration for Filipinos
Henderson pointed out that Yulo’s achievements will serve as an inspiration for millions of Filipinos to aspire for greatness and pursue excellence in their endeavors.
Indomitable Spirit of the Filipino People
Despite facing various challenges along the way, Yulo’s victory showcases the unwavering spirit of resilience and determination that characterizes the Filipino people, as mentioned by Henderson in an interview with UCA News on Aug. 5.
National Recognition
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. also extended his congratulations to Yulo for his historic performance at the Olympics, emphasizing the pride and unity felt by Filipinos worldwide in celebrating the athlete’s success.
Support from Fellow Athletes
Hidilyn Diaz, the weightlifter who brought the Philippines its first gold medal in 2021, commended Yulo’s accomplishments, encouraging him to continue giving back to God and the country as a symbol of gratitude for his success.
Outpouring of Congratulations
From the country and abroad, Filipinos showered Yulo with messages of congratulations, highlighting the widespread support and admiration for the gymnast’s achievements.
Rewards and Incentives
Both the government and private companies have pledged rewards for Yulo’s outstanding performance in gymnastics, underscoring the popularity of the sport among Filipinos and the recognition of his hard work.
Yulo expressed his gratitude in a media interview, acknowledging those who believed in him and supported his journey to success.
Ronald O. Reyes is a reporter for UCA News. OSV News contributed to this report.
Additional insight:
It is worth noting that Yulo’s triumph not only showcases his individual talent and dedication but also sheds light on the growing strength and competitiveness of Filipino athletes on the global stage. The recognition and rewards bestowed upon Yulo also serve as a testament to the importance of sports in fostering national pride and unity among Filipinos, further fueling the enthusiasm for sports participation and success in the country.
