The Philippines celebrates gymnast Carlos Yulo's double gold win
For the Philippines, this is a historic result after the first ever gold by weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz in the 2020 Olympics. Philippine bishops praise the discipline, determination, and devotion shown by the 24-year-old athlete, who trained in Japan.
Manila (AsiaNews) – The bishops of the Philippines have praised the talent, perseverance, and faith of Carlos Edriel Poquiz Yulo, the 24-year-old gymnast who won two gold medals in the floor exercise and vault event at the Paris Olympics last Saturday and Sunday.
“Good things come to those who wait, but it's essential to take action and stay determined. Perseverance is a powerful quality that propels us towards our goals," said Bishop Ruperto Cruz Santos, vice president of the Episcopal Commission for the Pastoral Care of Migrants and Itinerant People (ECMI) of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines (CBCP).
For the prelate, the first Philippine athlete to win two Olympic gold medals did it thanks to discipline, determination, and devotion.
“You (Yulo) have inspired not only a generation of aspiring athletes but people of all ages, and you leave a legacy for the Philippines. Your achievements will continue to motivate and inspire others to reach for their dreams," Bishop Santos said.
“Just like Carlos, who is known to be a devoted believer in Christ, we can find strength with enduring faith in our devotion to Christ, giving God honor and praise for guiding and protecting us on our path," the prelate added. "You truly brought immense pride to our country. Carlos. Keep shining, and may your success continue to uplift the Philippines.”
Bishop Jose Colin Bagaforo, president of Caritas Philippines, also celebrated Yulo’s Olympic triumph along with the rest of the country.
“Caritas Philippines extends its heartfelt congratulations to Carlos Edriel Yulo for his extraordinary achievement in the Olympics," Bishop Bagaforo said.
"Your journey, marked by challenges and triumphs, is a testament to the unyielding spirit of the Filipino people. Your victory is not just yours alone but a shared triumph for the entire nation," he added. “May your success continue to inspire and uplift the lives of countless Filipinos, especially the marginalized and disadvantaged sectors of society.”
Fr Daniel Franklin Pilario, president of Vincentian-run Adamson University, where Yulo finished his undergraduate studies, also congratulated him on winning the two gold medals. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. did the same in a social media post.
The Philippines participated in its first Olympic Games one hundred years ago. Yulo is the second Filipino to win a gold medal for the Philippines, after Hidilyn Diaz won in weightlifting (women's 55 kg) at the 2020 Tokyo Games.
Raised in the Philippines, Carlos Yulo left the country in 2016, when he was still a teenager, to train in Japan with Munehiro Kugimiya, from whom he separated last year due to personal differences.
Left without a coach five months before the Olympic Games, the gymnast went first to South Korea, and then to the United Kingdom where he trained with international athletes against whom he competed in Paris.
Since his victory, Yulo has been showered with gifts from the Philippine government and various businesses, large and small, such as cash prizes, a house, a condo, and products, like a free set of headlights and fog lights, and a lifetime supply of phone cases and macaroni and cheese, just to name a few.
To celebrate the historic result, some Philippine bars and restaurants have started to offer free meals or smoothies to anyone named Carlos, Caloy (his nickname) or Edriel (his middle name).
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09/08/2021 12:47
