What's next for Carlos Yulo after his historic Olympics win?

Pinoy Gymnast Champion Carlos Yulo Returns Home After Historic Paris Olympics Win

After clinching two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Pinoy gymnast Carlos Yulo finally returned to the Philippines on August 13. In an interview on “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho,” the 24-year-old Olympic medalist expressed his gratitude to those who supported him throughout his journey.

“ I wasn’t left alone. Ma'am Cynthia and everyone really supported me. They took care of my well-being and mental health,” Carlos shared.

Carlos ruled the men's floor exercise and vault, making history as the first male Filipino athlete to secure a gold and the first Filipino gymnast of any gender to win a medal. He also became the first Filipino Olympian to earn two gold medals.

“Winning the second gold in the vault finals was truly unexpected. I was more relaxed by then. Winning the gold on the floor likely helped me release all the stress and nerves. I just enjoyed the moment. The second medal was a real bonus,” he added.

In the 1924 Summer Olympics, the Philippines made history as the first country in Southeast Asia to participate in the tournament, which was also held in Paris, France.

In 2020, Carlos also participated in the Tokyo Olympics but fell short of winning any medals.

“What happened in Tokyo was really painful. He finished in 4th place. If only he had gotten a bronze, that would have been okay,” his father, Andrew Yulo, said.

Before becoming the Olympic champion he is today, little Caloy began tumbling whenever he could as a kid. His grandfather, Rodrigo Frisco, recalled that the seven-year-old Carlos started practicing gymnastics with his friends at a park in Manila.

“He was very, very good, very dedicated,” Cynthia Carrion, President of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines, said.

Carlos was also supported by his occupational therapist, Coach Hazel Calawod, and gymnastics coach, Coach Aldrin Castaneda.

"Tumindig balahibo ko nu'ng narinig ko ang Lupang Hinirang natin. Nakaka-proud talaga! Inaalalay namin 'to lahat. Para sa bansa natin," Coach Aldrin said.

Winning two Olympic gold medals in Paris is just the start of Yulo's next journey.

“Of course, we’ll make a new plan for the next Olympic cycle. Of course, it’s not just going to end here. I still have goals for the next cycle. And that’s the focus I’ll give,” he said.

The shift in how Filipinos perceive and practice sports, according to Philippine sports historian Mico Perez, was brought by the arrival of the Americans in the country.

“This type of physical culture was a hallmark of civilization. Kaya nu’ng dumating ang mga Amerikano, sabi nila sa mga Pilipinong lider, ‘Your population does not play sports. Your population is not healthy,’” Perez said.

He added, “And now, fast forward more than a century later, a Filipino is the best in the world. That’s the significance and depth of Carlos Yulo’s victory.”

Source: GMA Integrated News