PARIS — Standing at just 4-foot-9, Carlos Edriel Yulo may have been the smallest competitor, but he delivered a towering performance to secure only the second gold medal for the Philippines in its 100-year Olympic history.
On a remarkable night at the Bercy Arena in the Paris Olympics, the 24-year-old Yulo executed a near-flawless routine in his signature floor exercise late Saturday (PH time), fulfilling the expectations of an entire nation.
In a poignant redemption story, Yulo, who narrowly missed out on a medal in the Tokyo Olympics three years ago, achieved perfection this time around. His dazzling display earned him a score of exactly 15 points, edging out Israeli Artem Dolgopyat, the 2021 Tokyo champion, who scored 14.966 points. Great Britain’s Jake Jarman, whose mother hails from Cebu province, took the bronze with 14.933 points.
“A final of the very highest quality,” remarked the international gymnastics federation, encapsulating the level of competition.
Yulo, who performed third in order, was propelled to victory with his exceptional performance, bringing a golden moment to the Philippines. He is set to compete again on Sunday night in the vault finals, eyeing a second medal.
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. expressed the nation’s pride on social media, stating, “I am confident that it will not be the last. Congratulations, Caloy! The entire country stands proud with you!”
The Philippine Olympic Committee echoed this sentiment, celebrating Yulo’s dedication and skill. “Thanks to Carlos Yulo, we have another golden moment to celebrate. His achievements are a testament to his hard work and the spirit of our people. Here’s to making history and celebrating many more triumphs!”
Yulo first rose to international prominence by winning the 2019 Germany world championship on the floor and added another gold in vault two years later in Japan. His victory follows weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz’s historic first-ever Olympic gold for the Philippines in Tokyo.
In other Olympic news, Ernest John “EJ” Obiena secured his place in the men’s pole vault finals after a tense qualification round at Stade De France. The world No. 2 pole vaulter overcame early struggles to claim his spot in the last 12, with the medal round scheduled for early Tuesday (PH time).
Yulo’s triumph helped soften the blow of boxer Carlo Paalam’s exit from medal contention at Paris North Arena in Villepinte. Paalam, who won silver in Tokyo, was defeated by Australian Charlie Senior in the men’s 57-kilogram quarterfinals after a closely contested bout.
Meanwhile, female boxers Aira Villegas (50kg) and 2021 Tokyo silver medalist Nesthy Petecio advanced to the quarterfinals, each a win away from securing a bronze medal.
As of 11:30 p.m. (PH time), the Philippines remained the only Southeast Asian nation in the medal count. China led the tally with 15 golds, followed by Australia with 12, and the United States with 11. Host nation France held fourth place, while Great Britain rounded out the top five.
Fifty-two nations have won at least one medal, with Austria, Egypt, Lithuania, Portugal, Slovakia, and Chinese Taipei each earning a single bronze.
Carlos Yulo’s gold medal is not just a personal victory but a monumental moment of pride for the Philippines, showcasing the nation’s talent and determination on the world stage.