Team Philippines Carlos Yulo, celebrates after winning the gold medal during the men’s artistic gymnastics individual floor finals at Bercy Arena at the Paris Olympics, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Paris, France. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
MANILA, Philippines—Team Philippines’ Carlos Yulo has reached the ultimate dream and did it twice with two gold medals in the Paris Olympics 2024 men’s artistic gymnastics competition.
But make no mistakes about it, the 24-year-old gymnast is far from over, in terms of competing in the grandest sporting stage of the world.
In an interview with GMA’s 24 Oras, Yulo bared that while he’s on cloud nine after making history with the Philippines, the vision for Los Angeles is still very much present.
READ: Carlos Yulo vows LA 2028 encore, EJ Obiena hunts for redemption
“It’s been four days but it really hasn’t sunk in just yet that I captured gold and two of them. This is it, the ultimate goal. I can’t wish for anything else right now,” said Yulo in Filipino.
(Apat na araw na ‘yong nakakalipas, ‘di pa rin talaga nakakasink-in na nakagold ako at dalawa pa po… Ito na po ‘yon ‘yong ultimate goal. Wala na po ako hinihiling na iba ngayon.)
Team Philippines’ gold medalists Hidilyn Diaz and Carlos Yulo in Paris. –HIDILYN DIAZ/IG
“I’m really grateful that I didn’t quit. There are still things up next. I won’t stop yet and I still want to compete in the Olympics in 2028 in LA (Los Angeles). I’ll do my best in training and the challenges next time.”
(Really grateful na di ako sumuko. may mga next pa, ‘di pa ko titigil gusto ko pa magolympics sa 2028 sa LA and I’ll do my best sa trainin and next challenges pa next time.)
With already two Olympic appearances and two gold medals for Yulo, it seems Paris may just be the beginning for him and his gymnastics career.
But.before he can focus on the future Olympic games, he still has support to give for his Team Philippines compatriots as the Paris games are still very much on full swing.
“I’m so proud of the Filipino athletes that fought for the Philippines,” Yulo said. “Their performances made me emotional. I know some athletes lost but I’m proud of them, their dedication, effort and will to show up on those days.”
((Sobrang proud po ako sa mga Atletang Pilipino na pinaglaban po ‘yung Pilipinas. Grabe po, nakakaiyak po ‘yung mga performances nila. Alam ko po na may natalo tayo sa ibang atleta pero sobrang proud po ako sa kanila, sa dedication, effort and ‘yung pag-show up nila sa araw na ‘yun.)
From 22 delegates, Team Philippines is left with three representatives who aim to improve the country’s medal tally in the Paris games.
As of writing, the Philippines has two gold medals from Yulo and two bronze medals from boxing bets Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio.
Golf bets Bianca Pagdanganan and Dottie Ardina and weightlifting prodigy Vanessa Sarno still have chances to improve the country’s medal haul.