Carlos Yulo. (Senate Public Relations and Information Bureau)
Two-time Olympic gold medalist gymnast Carlos Yulo wants to inspire more Filipinos as he joined the reserve force of the Philippine Navy.
Yulo, the first-ever Filipino athlete to win two gold Olympic medals, was given the petty officer first class (PO1) in a ceremony at the Navy headquarters in Manila on Tuesday.
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He thanked the Philippine Navy for the “prestigious recognition” almost two months after winning gold in the men’s artistic gymnastics finals and the men’s vault finals of the Paris 2024 Olympics.
“I am proud to have the privilege of being enlisted in the Philippine Navy Reserve Force, a recognition I never expected in my lifetime. Wearing this Navy uniform fills me with immense pride,” he said.
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“I will uphold its core values and inspire today’s youth, showing them that through sports, they too can serve our country,” he added.
In his message, Philippine Navy Flag Officer in Command Vice Adm. Toribio Adaci Jr. hailed Yulo’s “dedication, discipline, and drive made” that made him a world champion.
In August, President Marcos honored Yulo with the Presidential Medal of Merit, one of the highest awards conferred by the President to Filipinos in recognition of their contributions to sports, literature, science, the arts or entertainment. Yulo, 24, got millions worth of cash incentives and other perks after winning two gold medals in the Paris Olympics. —NESTOR CORRALES