Paris, France, August 4, 2024: After waiting 100 years for a gold medal by a male athlete in the Olympic Games, the Philippines now have two in two days.
Carlos Yulo was the man of the moment once again, following up his gold in the men’s floor exercise on Saturday with a second gold in men’s vault at Bercy Arena on Sunday.
The Philippines have been competing in the Olympic Games since Paris 1924 and won their first gold medal in Olympic history at Tokyo 2020 through women’s weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz.
Yulo ended that drought for male athletes on Saturday and completed a weekend golden double.
Yulo scored 15.116 to finish first ahead of Armenia’s Artur Davtyan (14.966) and Great Britain’s Harry Hepworth (14.949).
The 24-year-old Filipino hero trains in Japan and finished 12th in the men’s all-around over six apparatus earlier in the Olympics, but still had plenty of energy left in the tank for the individual apparatus challenges.
Yulo, known popularly as “Caloy”, spoke about his achievement of winning two gold medals in two days.
"I couldn't sleep last night because I was so hyped. It's still not sinking in that I won a gold medal on floor. I was really sleepy this morning, and I tried to nap a lot of times so I could feel better. But I couldn't really sleep,” he said.
"I just hoped that I would perform well and I'd be healthy during the vault. It went well today. I'm really grateful to God that we are all protected and guided, and there were no injuries. That's a win-win for everybody."
He said his victory in men’s floor exercise had allowed him to chill and feel more relaxed for the vault. “OK, give it all, and there's nothing to lose any more,” was his mindset.
He said he was expecting a warm welcome back to the Philippines after his Paris heroics.
"It's going to be tough for me because it's kind of out of gymnastics - interviews and lots of media. But I'm really excited and open to doing that, and it's also my first time to do that," he concluded.
The Philippine Olympic Committee announced: “Second gold for the Philippines! Carlos Yulo has etched his name in Olympic history at Paris 2024! This is a golden chapter in Philippine gymnastics history.
“From winning the first-ever gold for the Philippines in floor exercise to claiming another gold on the vault, Carlos has not only brought home two incredible victories but has also set a new standard in gymnastics.
“His triumph is a monumental moment for our nation and a shining example of perseverance and excellence on the world stage.”