One year later, we once again celebrate Carlos Yulo's double gold medals at the Olympic Game Paris 2024.
Exactly one year ago, Carlos Yulo etched his name into Olympic lore as the first Filipino athlete to stand atop the podium—not only once, but twice.
At the Olympic Games Paris 2024, Yulo captured gold in the men’s floor exercise and vault, igniting national pride and redefining Philippine sports history with the country’s second and third Olympic gold medals.
On the anniversary of Caloy’s incredible double wins, we look back at the glory that was brought about by the spitfire gymnast from Manila.
Historic performance
Yulo’s first gold came in the men’s floor exercise final on August 3, 2024, at the Bercy Arena in Paris.
His routine, marked by flawless execution and intricate tumbling, earned a score of 15.000, edging out Israel’s Artem Dolgopyat (14.966) and Great Britain’s Jake Jarman (14.933).
The victory was the first-ever Olympic gymnastics medal for the Philippines and the nation’s second Olympic gold, following Hidilyn Diaz’s weightlifting win at Tokyo 2020.
Tears flowed through Yulo’s eyes after the final participant’s scores were revealed, knowing his name is forever etched in Philippine sports history.
But just 24 hours later, on August 4, Yulo struck gold again in the men’s vault final, immortalizing his sensational Olympic redemption.
His first vault, a piked Dragulescu with a 6.0 difficulty value, scored an impressive 15.433, followed by a solid 14.800 on his second attempt, resulting in an average of 15.116.
He outscored Armenia’s Artur Davtyan (14.966) and Great Britain’s Harry Hepworth (14.949), securing the Philippines’ third Olympic gold.
A national hero
Yulo’s double gold medals sparked a wave of national pride.
His historic performance joined him alongside icons like Hidilyn Diaz, Manny Pacquiao, and EJ Obiena, inspiring a new generation of Filipino athletes to believe that global greatness is within reach.
Businesses and the government showered him with rewards, including cash, a three-bedroom condo, and even a lifetime supply of mac and cheese.
President Bongbong Marcos hailed the achievement as a historic moment for the Philippines. Yulo’s success has also elevated gymnastics’ profile in the country, inspiring young athletes and prompting increased investment in the sport.
After a tough Olympics debut in Tokyo, Yulo’s journey in Paris was the culmination of years of relentless training, perseverance, and resilience.
Looking towards LA 2028
But even with his Olympic gold medals, Yulo’s ambitions remain sky-high.
He has set his sights on the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, aiming to win a medal in the individual all-around while defending his floor and vault titles.
For now, the country will celebrate Yulo’s historic achievement on August 3 and 4, 2024.