Carlos Edriel Yulo became a Philippine sports hero after winning two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Carlos Edriel Yulo, who competed in the artistic gymnastics branch, won a gold medal in the men’s floor exercise at the Bercy Arena on Saturday (3/8/2024). Yulo scored 15,000, beating the 2020 Tokyo Olympics gold medalist, Artem Dolgopyat (Israel), who scored 14,966.
This is the second gold medal in Philippine history at the Olympics, the world’s highest sporting stage. Previously, Hidilyn Diaz won gold in the women’s 55 kg weightlifting branch at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics. Yulo’s success also ensured the Philippines’ first Olympic medal in gymnastics.
“I don’t know what to say. We are a very small country. So, to be able to get a gold medal for us is a big, very big thing. I dedicate this to the Filipino people who also support me,” he said. The following day, Yulo returned to the first podium at the 2024 Paris Olympics after becoming the best in the men’s vault. The 24-year-old athlete scored 15,116, beating Artur Davtyan (Armenia) who scored 14,966 points and Harry Hepworth (England) with a score of 14,949.
Yulo admitted that winning gold in the floor exercise class made him appear more relaxed. “Yesterday’s victory has relieved all my stress. Today I am calmer and more relaxed,” said Yulo on Sunday, August 4, 2024. “This helps me to give my all because there is nothing to worry about anymore. This is so crazy, I don’t know what I’m feeling right now,” he said.
Yulo is also preparing for a warm welcome when he returns to the Philippines. Reuters reported that the Philippines promised a furnished two-bedroom condominium in Taguig City for Olympic gold medalists. “I think so, but I have to really make sure if it’s true,” Yulo said when asked if he would get two houses for winning two gold medals.
Moreover, Yulo’s two gold medals put the Philippines in 21st place in the medal standings for the 2024 Paris Olympics. The Philippines is the highest-ranked Southeast Asian country in the Olympic medal standings, far surpassing Indonesia and Malaysia.
