The history-making Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo once again etched his name in the record books on Saturday, August 3, by claiming the gold medal in the men’s floor exercise final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024. Yulo’s exceptional performance earned him a score of 15.000, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite.
Yulo’s routine was a masterclass in precision and artistry, culminating in a flawless three-and-a-half twist dismount. His landing, executed to perfection, brought the crowd to their feet. Overcome with emotion, Yulo celebrated his triumph by pumping his fists and presenting himself to the judges, before saluting the fans and placing his hands over his heart.
“I’m so overwhelmed. I’m feeling grateful for having this medal and for God. He protected me, as always,” Yulo expressed after his victory. “He gave me the strength to get through this kind of performance and perform this well.”
The competition was fierce, with Tokyo 2020 champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel taking the silver with a score of 14.966, and Great Britain’s Jake Jarman securing the bronze with 14.933. Yulo’s win marks the Philippines’ first medal in gymnastics and only the second Olympic gold in the nation’s history, following Hidilyn Diaz’s gold in the Women’s 55 kg weightlifting event in Tokyo.
Yulo’s journey to this moment has been marked by both triumphs and challenges. While he achieved his first gold in the floor exercise at the 2019 World Championships, he has also faced setbacks, including a disappointing finish at last year’s World Championships where he failed to qualify in the all-around.
“I’m grateful for the people who really supported me. I could not do it without them,” said Yulo, acknowledging the support system that has been crucial to his success.
Yulo’s victory is a significant milestone for the Philippines, a country with limited representation in gymnastics. His gold medal is only the second-ever Olympic gold for the Philippines and the first in the men’s category.
“We are a really small country… So to be able to get a gold medal for us is huge. I dedicate this to the Filipino people who supported me,” Yulo stated.
His routine opened with a high-flying 2-1/2 double-piked front somersault and concluded with an astonishing 3-1/2 twisting forward somersault. The crowd at Bercy Arena erupted in applause as he landed his final move and the score of 15.000 was revealed, edging out Dolgopyat by just 0.034 points.
Filipino athletes at the Paris Games have been promised a fully furnished, two-bedroom condominium in Taguig City if they win a gold medal. While Yulo expressed gratitude for the reward, he emphasized that the title of Olympic champion was his primary achievement.
This last pass of Carlos Yulo ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ðŸ˜ pic.twitter.com/JzsDG22Yog
— Tanya (@ScriptedTanya) August 3, 2024
Carlos Yulo’s historic victory not only brings pride to the Philippines but also inspires countless young athletes, showcasing the potential of Filipino talent on the world stage.