PARIS (Via PLDT Home)– It takes a village to raise an Olympic gold medalist.
That, in essence is the message of Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) chairman Richard Bachmann on Sunday as he lauded the collective efforts extended by various individuals and sectors for the success of gymnast Carlos Yulo in the 2024 Paris Olympics here.
After being crowned as floor exercise champion on Saturday, Yulo put the exclamation point to his breathtaking campaign with yet another flawless routine the following day, this time in the vault, to claim his second gold medal at the Olympiad, kicking off a frenzied celebration back home.
As the Philippines’ first male Olympic champion, and first, in his sport, Yulo unleashed an exceptional performance, highlighted by a 15.433-point score on his first vault and an average of 15.116, to cement his status as the Philippines’ newest sporting icon and its greatest Olympian.
He also joined the likes of the Philippines’ first Olympic champion Hidilyn Diaz and eight-division world titlist Manny Pacquiao in the pantheon of all-time greats.
Yulo’s rare double-gold showing, Bachmann said, won’t be possible without the help of Team Yulo – coach Aldrin Castaneda, a therapist and even the indefatigable gymnastics president Cynthia Carreon.
“It was a destiny shaped by everyone’s efforts,” said Bachmann. “Thanks to everyone’s support, the nation celebrates the milestones we’ve achieved. In just two days, Carlos Yulo brought home two gold medals, but we’re not stopping there.”
Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas are already assured of a bronze medal each after advancing to the semis of their respective events, while Ernest John Obiena is competing in pole vault finals at press time.
Villegas, Philippine boxing’s surprise package here, battles Turkiye’s Buse Naz Çakıroğlu on Wednesday at 4:18 a.m. (Philippine time), where a win will guarantee her a silver medal, while Tokyo silver medalist Petecio also aims to upgrade her bronze medal when she takes on Poland’s Julia Szeremeta on Thursday at 3:46 a.m.
“We commend everyone’s involvement in bringing the country back to glory. I am confident that all Filipinos are celebrating this special achievement like never before,” added Bachmann.
