A gold medal-winning gymnast from the Philippines isn’t just getting bragging rights for her achievement.
Carlos E Yulo, 24, made history on Saturday, August 3, as the first male Olympic gold medalist in the history of the Philippines after winning the floor exercise event in the men’s gymnastics. Yulo received another gold medal a day later for his vault routine. Since completing these difficult feats, several companies have stepped in to make Yulo’s victory even more special.
To achieve his victories, Yulo averaged 15.116 on the vault on Sunday, August 4, beating Armenia’s Artur Davtyan (14.966) and Britain’s Harry Hepworth (14.949). He scored 15 points on his floor exercise, beating reigning Olympic champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel by just 0.034 points.
One of the prizes the Olympian received was a two-bedroom apartment in McKinley Hill Township, near the country’s capital, Manila. Philippine real estate company Megaworld announced earlier this month that it would give away the apartments to Olympians from the country who specifically retired with a gold medal. Yulo is the only one to have done so.
“In 2024, we will celebrate our 100th anniversary of participating in the Olympic Games. And what better way to celebrate this milestone than by recognizing the great competitive spirit of our newest Olympic gold medalist and welcoming him or her to McKinley Hill,” said the company’s president, Lourdes T Gutierrez-Alfonso, in their press release.
“As one of the most celebrated addresses in Fort Bonifacio, McKinley Hill is home to several world-class athletes, including members of the Philippine national basketball and football teams. This makes it a perfect home base for Filipino champions who live a life of passion and excellence through and through.”
The gold medal winner was also offered several cash prizes, including 10 million Philippine pesos (equivalent to $173,300), while the country’s House of Representatives would give Yulo another six million pesos for his achievements.
Several restaurant chains across the country have also decided to join in celebrating Yulo’s gold medals by offering a lifetime supply of ramen, macaroni and cheese, and grilled chicken.
A gastroenterologist gave Yulo free consultations and colonoscopies for life, while the University of Mindanao is offering him free credits if he decides to go back to school.
Speaking to the BBCThe mayor of Yulo’s hometown in Manila is planning a “hero’s welcome” for him once the Olympics are over.
“He and all our Paris Olympians will receive the grandest welcome. When we meet him, we will present Carlos Yulo with cash prizes, awards and symbols of eternal gratitude from the proud capital of the Philippines,” the city’s mayor, Honey Lacuna, said, according to the outlet.
Shortly after his vault victory, Yulo admitted how shocked he was to be awarded a medal at all. “I was just hoping to do well. I didn’t really expect a medal,” he told reporters at the time.
“It really felt like a bonus for me. It’s crazy because last night I couldn’t sleep. I was so excited because I won that gold medal [the day before].”
