Philippines’ Carlos Edriel Yulo reacts after performing on the floor during the apparatus finals at the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships at the Hanns-Martin-Schleyer-Halle in Stuttgart, southern Germany, on October 12, 2019. (Photo by Thomas KIENZLE / AFP)
MANILA, Philippines — Carlos Yulo had quite a memorable 2019 after making history as the first Southeast Asian male to become a world champion gymnast.
The pint-sized Yulo also secured an Olympic slot in the 2020 Summer Games in Tokyo, Japan and collected two gold and five silver medals in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games to cap off the year.
Yulo’s impressive achievements certainly didn’t go unnoticed as he will be awarded the President’s Award during the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night on March 6 at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel.
The 19-year-old Yulo, who took Philippine gymnastics to unprecedented heights, joins an elite list of personalities previously honored by the sportswriting community with the same award, including Manny V. Pangilinan, the multi-titled National University Lady Bulldogs, billiards champions Rubilen Amit and Dennis Orcollo, and slalom racing champ Milo Rivera.
Yulo was also a big part of the Team Philippines’ conquest in regaining the overall championship in the SEA Games for the first time in 14 years.
Yulo’s historic achievement will forever be etched in Philippine sports annals and one that will stand the test of time, making no other person deserving of the award, according to PSA president and Manila Bulletin sports editor Tito S. Talao.
The entire Team Philippines in the SEA Games will be recognized with the Athlete of the Year award.
Other special awards to be given are Executive of the Year, National Sports Association of the Year, Lifetime Achievement, Ms. Basketball, Mr. Volleyball, Ms. Golf, Mr. Football, and Coach of the Year.
Not to be missed out are the recipients of Major Awards, Tony Siddayao Awards, MILO Junior Athletes Award, and numerous citations.