Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo has received another windfall of P10 million from the International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI) for his impressive performance at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Yulo secured gold medals in the vault and floor exercise, cementing his status as one of the Philippines’ top athletes.
The awarding ceremony took place at Waterside at Solaire in Pasay City, where Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) President Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino and Christian Martin Gonzalez, representing ICTSI Chairman and CEO Enrique Razon, presented Yulo with the generous bonus. Yulo expressed his gratitude, saying, “Thank you to the ICTSI, Sir Ricky [Razon], and to POC president, Mayor Abraham Tolentino. We are all hoping they will continue supporting us up to the next Olympics and overseas competitions.”
Aside from Yulo, other athletes were also recognized for their achievements in the Paris Games. Bronze medal-winning boxers Aira Villegas and Nesthy Petecio received P2 million each, while members of the 22-athlete Team Philippines who did not secure medals were rewarded with P200,000 each. This gesture from the ICTSI and its chairman highlights their commitment to supporting Filipino athletes in their pursuit of excellence on the international stage.
POC President Tolentino praised the ICTSI’s initiative, saying, “Let us thank the ICTSI, Mr. Enrique Razon, and Christian Gonzalez for helping our athletes with these cash rewards. Our national athletes have performed their very best in the greatest show on earth at the Paris Olympics.”
Christian Gonzalez, ICTSI executive vice president, emphasized the importance of supporting athletes, noting, “It’s very important for us supporting our athletes, it’s very important for our country. It is something we wanted to do more because of all the hard work that you put in for the last eight or 12 years or your entire life.”
Yulo has already amassed over P90 million in cash bonuses for his historic achievements in Paris. Reflecting on his success and the outpouring of support, Yulo said, “Just like the other incentives that I received from the others, it is super overwhelming, and it is unexpected to receive another cash reward after they recognized our accomplishments, hard work in practices, and sacrifices for the longest time.”
The support Yulo and other Filipino athletes have received further solidifies their motivation to continue striving for success in future competitions.