Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo added to his impressive record by securing his second Olympic gold medal in just two days, making him only the second athlete to achieve this feat for his country.
Gifts galore awaited the 24-year-old, including a three-bedroom condo, substantial monetary rewards, and even a lifetime supply of ramen, as a token of appreciation from the government and local brands for his historic victories in the men’s floor exercise and vault events.
Mr. Yulo’s exceptional accomplishment not only earned him Olympic glory but also propelled him into the spotlight as the latest social media sensation in the Philippines.
One user on social media platform X expressed their admiration, saying, “Another gold for the Philippines! History is made again! Ang galing galing mo! [You are incredible!]”
In the vault event, Mr. Yulo clinched the gold with an impressive score of 15.116, surpassing his competitors from Armenia and Britain. Despite entering the competition with modest expectations, he was pleasantly surprised by his strong performance and medal win.
Reflecting on his victory, he shared, “I was just hoping to perform well. I didn’t really expect a medal. It really felt like a bonus for me. It’s crazy, because last night I couldn’t sleep. I was so hyped because I had won that gold medal [the day before].”
Less than a day earlier, Mr. Yulo had secured the gold in the men’s floor exercise, narrowly edging out the defending Olympic champion and world title holder. His back-to-back gold medals sparked widespread discussions on social media, with X buzzing with praise and admiration for his remarkable achievement.
One user captured the sentiment, stating, “It took 100 years for us to hear Lupang Hinirang [the Philippines’ national anthem] two nights in a row while the world is watching. Thank you so much for the pride and historic moment!”
Celebrities, political figures, and ordinary citizens united in congratulating Mr. Yulo on his extraordinary double triumph. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr and First Lady Liza Araneta-Marcos expressed their pride and respect for his achievements.
The gymnast is set to receive significant rewards, including monetary prizes, a fully furnished condo, and various other incentives from government bodies, real estate firms, and businesses. Medical clinics and universities also extended offers of support and complimentary services to honor his accomplishments.
A heartwarming gesture of a “hero’s welcome” awaits Mr. Yulo in his hometown of Manila, where he will be showered with cash incentives, awards, and tokens of appreciation for bringing pride and joy to the nation.
Amidst the accolades and accolades pouring in, Mr. Yulo’s journey from a promising young athlete to a national hero serves as inspiration for the next generation of Filipino gymnasts and athletes, underscoring the power of determination, talent, and hard work in achieving one’s dreams.
