Philippines’ Carlos Edriel Yulo celebrates winning the gold medal during the podium ceremony for the artistic gymnastics men’s vault event of the Paris Olympics at the Bercy Arena in Paris, on August 4, 2024. (Photo by Lionel BONAVENTURE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines—Controversies may be surrounding Carlos Yulo and his family but Mark Andrew Yulo, father of the Olympic double gold medalist, remained in awe of his son’s historic achievements.
In an interview with ONE Balita, the elder Yulo congratulated his son after making history and winning two gold medals for Team Philippines in the world’s biggest sporting event.
“Hindi namin akalain na magiging dalawa. Any prize na lang, bonus na po yung gold [sa vault]. Pero binigay pa rin. Ang galing po. Talagang blessed si Caloy ngayon,” the elder Yulo told host Cheryl Cosim.
READ: Carlos Yulo silences doubters in historic feat at Paris Olympics
(We didn’t expect him to win two gold medals. Any prize would’ve been a bonus but it was still given to him. He’s really good. He’s really blessed right now.)
Mark Andrew said watching Carlos reign in the men’s artistic gymnastics was like watching his son’s dream come true considering he had a rough outing in Tokyo a few years back.
“Masaya ako na may halong kaba. Sobrang saya na nakuha na niya yung hindi niya nakuha sa Tokyo,” said Carlos’ father.
(I was happy but also nervous. I’m so happy that he got the gold after four years since the Olympics in Tokyo.)
The 24-year-old prodigy also became the first male to win a gold medal in the men’s gymnastics event for the Philippines and became the most bemedalled Olympian for the country.
However, after Carlos’s unprecedented feat in the Paris Olympics, family issues involving mother Angelica were inevitably dredged up and discussed on social media in the recent days.
While Carlos has yet to make a statement on the matter, Mark Andrew remained optimistic about a family resolution. Carlos’ father went as far as to say Angelica was proud of her son’s historic conquests.
“Natuwa naman yan. Ayaw niya lang [magsalita or ipakita] kasi may kaunti silang tampuhan, God’s will. Pag uwi po ni Caloy aayusin namin. Matagal na po yun,” said Mark Andrew.
(She was probably glad. She just didn’t want to show it because there have some problems. [With] God’s will, when Carlos comes home, we’ll fix it. It’s been a while.)