CARLOS YULO WINS PH’S FIRST EVER OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL IN PARIS 2024 FLOOR EXERCISE; TO RECEIVE P3M AWARD FROM CONGRESS

FILIPINO gymnast Carlos Yulo made history Saturday night (Manila time) after winning a gold medal in the men’s floor exercise in the 2024 Paris Olympics.

The 24-year-old Yulo dethroned Israel’s Artem Dolgopyat and become the Philippines’ second Olympic champion since weightlifting ace Hidilyn Diaz, who won gold at the COVID-delayed 2020 Tokyo Games.

Performing third in the exercise, the Philippines greatest gymnast  perfectly executed his routine, ending with a sure-footed landing to score 15.000 points. It sealed the first gymnastics Olympic medal ever for the Philippines.

Dolgopyat settled for silver with 14.966 points while top qualifier Jake Jarman of Great Britain bagged bronze with 14.933 points. 

Oozing with confidence, the Philippines bet showcased a routine that razzled and dazzled fans across the globe.

The judges then gave him 8.400 for execution and 6.600 for difficulty to hand him a score of 15.000, which was met by an ecstatic scream by Yulo.

Anticipation for celebration swelled as each of the remaining finalists fell short of Yulo, and when no one hit a better mark, the nation erupted in delight.

“I’m so overwhelmed. I’m feeling grateful for having this medal and for God. He protected me, as always,” said Yulo, who has a chance of another medal in the vault final on Sunday.

The coveted Olympic gold is the icing on the cake for the Malate, Manila-born Yulo, a two-time world champion and multiple Southeast Asian Games and Asian Games gold medal winner.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives will award Yulo P3 million after the Filipino greatest gymnast secured the country’s first gold medal in the 2024 Paris Olympics, House Committee on Appropriations chairman Rep. Elizaldy Co on Saturday said.

Co said that the award is a reflection of support to Yulo’s success and their commitment to fostering growth of Filipino athletes in the international sports scene.