Yulo to fellow Olympians: Let us do even better

MANILA, Philippines — Double gymnastics gold medalist Carlos Yulo rallied his fellow Olympians to celebrate the country's feat in Paris and expressed hope that it would serve as fuel for better campaigns in the future.

Yulo and other Paris 2024 Olympians, who arrived at Villamor Air Base in Pasay City on Tuesday night, were welcomed by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the First family in Malacañang.

Speaking at the dinner reception hosted by the President in Malacañang, Yulo expressed pride in his fellow Olympic athletes and encouraged them to continue striving for excellence.

Double gymnastics gold medalist Carlos Yulo. PCO Photo

«To all the athletes, I am very proud that we fought, we gave our best. We sacrificed our blood and sweat. The competition was not even starting yet I was already very very proud of you all,» Yulo said in Filipino.

«And now that the competition is over, let us celebrate the results we achieved and let us keep on doing better in our next competitions,» he added.

Yulo also expressed gratitude for the training camp in Metz, France, which he credited with helping him prepare for the Olympics.

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He also gave special thanks to Cynthia Carrion from the Philippine Olympic Committee, acknowledging her support for all gymnasts.

Together with Yulo, all athletes who represented the Philippines during the Olympics received cash incentives and awards as well from the President.

Presidential Communications Secretary Cheloy Garafil said Marcos has extended at least P50 million cash to the Filipino Olympians.

Garafil said the President gave P20 million cash to Yulo, separate from the incentive given by the government under the law.

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Boxing bronze medalists Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio will receive a total P4 million each, including the law-mandated P2 million for an Olympic bronze medal.

Marcos further extended P1 million each to the rest of the Olympians and P500,000 each to their coaching teams.

Yulo won two gold medals in the Men's Artistic Gymnastics Floor and Vault events. His double victory in Paris came three years after Hidilyn Diaz brought home the country's first-ever Olympic gold medal from the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

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