14-8-2024 (MANILA) The streets of Manila erupted in jubilation on Wednesday as more than a thousand enthusiastic supporters gathered to honour gymnast Carlos Yulo, the Philippines’ latest Olympic hero. The 24-year-old athlete’s remarkable achievement of clinching two gold medals at the Paris Olympics has catapulted him into the annals of Philippine sporting history.
Yulo’s groundbreaking performance saw him secure the nation’s first-ever Olympic medal in gymnastics, triumphing in the men’s floor exercise final at the 2024 Games. In a display of extraordinary talent and determination, he followed this historic win with another gold medal the very next day, emerging victorious in the men’s vault finals.
The significance of Yulo’s accomplishment cannot be overstated. He now stands as only the second gold medallist in the Southeast Asian nation’s Olympic history and the first in the men’s category. This feat places him alongside weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz, who struck gold in Tokyo three years ago, in the pantheon of Philippine sporting legends.
The capital city’s main avenue was transformed into a sea of celebration as the victory parade for the Philippine Olympians made its way through. Fans, young and old alike, lined the streets, their voices uniting in chants of Yulo’s name, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled national pride.
Among the spectators was Jiva Gobaton, a 40-year-old employee of a recruitment agency, who expressed a sentiment shared by many: “For our people, our athletes, the government needs to provide more contribution so our athletes can win more awards.” This call for increased support highlights the public’s recognition of the potential within Philippine athletics and the desire to see it fully realised on the world stage.
Yulo’s extraordinary performance has not gone unrewarded. His twin gold medals have earned him a windfall of incentives, including a minimum of 20 million Philippine pesos (approximately £280,000) in cash bonuses from the government. Additionally, he has been gifted a fully furnished condominium in a prime financial district, a lifetime of complimentary all-you-can-eat meals, and the perk of free flights.
The celebration of the Philippines’ Olympic success extended to the highest levels of government. On Tuesday night, President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. personally welcomed the athletes, distributing cash incentives and awards in recognition of their service to the nation. The Philippines’ overall performance in Paris, securing two gold and two bronze medals, marks a significant milestone in the country’s sporting trajectory.
