A hero’s welcome awaits Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo after winning the gold Saturday night in the men’s artistic gymnastics floor exercise at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“The City of Manila is already preparing a hero's welcome for Carlos Yulo because we are immensely proud of our Manileño from Leveriza, Malate,” Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna said in a statement.
“When we meet him, we will present Carlos Yulo cash incentives, awards, and symbols of the eternal gratitude of the proud Capital City of the Philippines,” Lacuna added.
Another Manileño, third district congressman Joel Chua expresses joy for Yulo’s feat. “We, in Manila, erupted with joy as we witnessed our very own Carlos Yulo soar to victory.”
“We hope this historic golden feat will ignite the spirits of the other Filipino Olympians still competing. Let’s pray for more medals for our Olympians,” Chua added.
Yulo is “proof that grassroots sports yields medal harvest,” said House Deputy Majority Leader and Ang Probinsyano Party-list Rep. Alfred Delos Santos.
Delos Santos is one of the authors of House Bill 8495 (Strengthening Local Sports Programs To Develop Young Athletes), which was already sent to the Senate in August 2023.
If HB 8495 or the Local Sports Program bill becomes a law, the government will give targeted funding to grassroots athletes and their communities nationwide. “It is the grassroots sports version of anti-poverty cash subsidies--straight to the athletes in need,” Delos Santos pointed out.
As a child, Yulo represented the City of Manila in the Palarong Panrehiyon, then the National Capital Region in the Palarong Pambansa, before eventually winning international gymnastics competitions.
Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) President Edgar Balasta predicts the 24-year-old Olympic gold medalist still has room for growth and “expand his repertoire of gymnastic powers by placing among the top all-around gymnasts.”
“Young as he still is, Caloy has two to three more Olympics in his future. More than enough time for his quest to be the best gymnast in the world,” Balasta asserted.
Lacuna recalled how she felt when she watched Yulo perform.
“Our hearts leaped in our chests as Caloy leaped high in the air. We stomped our feet on the floor as Caloy nailed those solid landings that felt like earthquakes. Our eyes glowed in admiration as Caloy showed sure control as he executed that perfect handstand,” Lacuna said.
“We sang along as Caloy sang the Philippine National Anthem. Tears welled up in our eyes and flowed in streams on our faces as the Philippine Flag rose in Paris. As Carlos cried tears of utter joy, we cried too,” the Mayor added.
House Deputy Majority Leader also weighed in on how Yulo achieved his gold-winning performance.
“Each run that preceded a jump gave Caloy the momentum needed to gain elevation. The elevation he achieved each time he flew in the air gave him enough fractions of a second to execute the twists in the air and extend his legs enough to stick those landings. That perfect handstand and similarly perfect split were necessary to prove control,” Delos Santos said.
“Such a beautiful moment for a humble lad from Manila, trained in Japan and Manila, and already world champion adored by gymnasts and fans all over the world,” the Ang Probinsyano Party-list solon recounted.
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