FOR a nation where height is often seen as a disadvantage in sports, Carlos Yulo has shown that stature is no obstacle to achieving greatness in the world stage, particularly at the Olympics.
Barely standing just five feet tall, Yulo made history by winning two gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics in the men’s vault and floor exercise events in gymnastics. His astonishing performance virtually carried the Philippines to a 37th-place finish in the overall medal tally, an impressive feat for a nation of “little brown people” competing among the world’s giants.
“It’s so crazy, I don’t know what to feel right now,” said Yulo after bagging a second gold in two days.
His victories have not only cemented his place in Philippine sports history, but have also brought him tremendous rewards, including a multi-million peso condominium in a plush community, a house and lot in Batangas, and millions worth of cash incentives and privileges.
This achievement marks the first time the Philippines has won two gold medals in a single Olympics, a milestone that has filled the nation with pride.
Yulo and the rest of the Filipino delegation returned home on Tuesday to a hero’s welcome, following his role as the flag bearer during the closing ceremony of the Paris Olympics. Alongside first-time bronze medalist Aira Villegas, Yulo proudly led the Philippine contingent in a moment that capped the country’s most successful Olympic campaign in its 100-year history.
Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas also contributed to the Philippines’ medal tally, each securing a bronze medal, matching the country’s four-medal haul from the Tokyo Games—the largest in its Olympic history.
Having reaped the rewards of his hard work, Yulo fully embraced his time in Paris, indulging in good food and a celebratory visit to Disneyland. “I’m super happy and I’m enjoying it,” Yulo shared.
Upon his return, Yulo intends to have a well-deserved break from training and competitions. His schedule is packed, including a grand parade organized by the City of Manila. “Everything is planned, and there are people who will handle and help me,” Yulo said, expressing confidence in the support system around him.
MENTOR AND FRIEND
Despite facing personal controversies, including issues with his partner Chloe San Jose and family disputes, Yulo’s gratitude toward those who supported him, particularly his Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya, remains unwavering.
Kugimiya, who began training Yulo when he was just 16 years old, played a crucial role in shaping the gymnast’s career.
The two first met in 2013 in Manila when Yulo was a promising young talent, having already won multiple titles at the Palarong Pambansa. Three years later, Yulo embarked on an intensive training journey under Kugimiya’s guidance through a grassroots program of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines.
Now, eight years later, Yulo stands as a double gold medalist at the Paris Olympics.
“I wouldn’t have reached this level if it weren’t for my coach. He helped me build a plan, taught me how to train, and also supported me in my education. I am grateful to him,” Yulo expressed during a Thanksgiving mass organized by the Philippine Embassy in Paris.
Although Yulo and Kugimiya parted ways last year, with Aldrin Castaneda stepping in as his new coach, Yulo plans to reunite with Kugimiya in Japan to personally show him his Olympic medals once his commitments in the Philippines are fulfilled.
Kugimiya, who was in Paris as part of the Sri Lankan delegation, watched from the sidelines and witnessed firsthand the culmination of their years of hard work and Yulo’s gold-winning moments.
Growing up in Malate, Manila, Yulo came from humble beginnings.
But greatness often starts young. Yulo’s love for gymnastics began at seven, practicing in the dilapidated public gymnasium at the Rizal Memorial Coliseum. With only his determination and a dream, Yulo persevered against all odds.
His grandfather, Rodrigo Frisco, recognized his potential and brought him to the GAP gym, which was just a stone’s throw away from their house in Leveriza, for formal training.
And the rest, as they say, is history.
Today, Yulo embodies the never-say-die spirit of millions of Filipinos who persevere despite the odds.
In a country where giving up is not an option, Yulo’s journey is a powerful reminder that with discipline and determination, anyone can rise above adversity.
