MANILA. Carlos Yulo, who achieved a historic feat by winning two gold medals at the Paris Olympics, returned home to an extraordinary hero’s welcome on Tuesday. The 24-year-old’s triumphs in the men’s floor exercise and vault marked the largest Olympic victory by a Filipino athlete in history.
Yulo’s achievements were celebrated with a national tribute planned by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., who expressed immense pride in Yulo’s accomplishments. “Filipinos all over the world stood united, cheering and rooting for you,” Marcos said. “No words can express how proud we are of you, Caloy. You have achieved GOLD for the Philippines, not once, but twice!”
Upon his arrival in Manila, Yulo and fellow Filipino Olympians were greeted by a sea of flag-waving admirers. Fans reached out for handshakes and selfies as the athletes made their way to the Malacañang Palace, where Marcos would present them with medals and cash gifts.
The reception for Yulo has been nothing short of lavish, with a combined total of over 58 million pesos (approximately $1 million) pledged in cash and gifts by government officials, business tycoons, and leading Philippine corporations. Among the rewards are a condominium unit, a resort house south of Manila, and free lunch buffets for life, as well as free pizzas and ice cream from prominent companies.
Filipino boxing legend Manny Pacquiao, renowned for his eight-division world championships and rags-to-riches story, also vowed to present Yulo with a generous cash reward.
A grand parade celebrating Yulo and his fellow athletes is scheduled for Wednesday, expected to draw thousands of spectators. The parade will pass near Yulo’s childhood neighborhood, where he first trained in gymnastics at a local public gym. Rodrigo Frisco, a 74-year-old relative, shared his excitement: “I’ll welcome him with a hug and we’ll jump together in joy. Who would believe that these narrow alleys and small houses would produce a champion?”
This wave of national pride comes on the heels of weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s historic gold medal win at the Tokyo 2021 Olympics, marking the first-ever Olympic gold for the Philippines.
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Contributing Editor
AMA ACLC San Pablo
