Paris. Carlos Edriel Yulo put in a spectacular performance on Saturday as he won the men’s floor exercise final at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, giving the Philippines its first-ever Olympic medal in gymnastics.
Yulo’s gold medal is also the second ever medal won by the Philippines at both the Summer and Winter Games, and the first in the men’s category. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz won gold in Tokyo three years ago.
“I don’t know what to say,” said the 24-year-old, who just missed out on a podium finish at Tokyo 2020. “We’re a really small country, so to be able to get a gold medal for us is huge, huge. I also dedicate it to the Filipino people, who have supported me.”
Yulo nailed most of his landings and threw both fists in the air as he finished his powerful, clean routine. He earned 15,000 points, edging out Tokyo champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel by just 0.034 points.
Top-ranked British athlete Jake Jarman had to settle for third place, just 0.067 points shy of gold, after making minor landing mistakes on his somersaults.
As the final score appeared on the giant screen at the Bercy Arena, Yulo, overcome with emotion, covered his face with his hands as he burst into tears and collapsed to the ground.
Filipino athletes in Paris have been promised a fully furnished two-bedroom condominium in Taguig City if they win a gold medal. Yulo said he was grateful for the reward, but it was secondary to the world title he had just won.
“For me it’s just a bonus. And that’s what really matters,” he said, clutching the medal around his neck. “My hard work and the people who have really helped me. I know that my success is also their success. I’m happy to have won the gold. And I’ve also won a house.”
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– 2024-08-07 22:32:24
