President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. plans to consult with renowned gymnast Carlos Adriel Yulo on how the government can support and increase the country’s medal tally in future Olympics.
In an interview on Wednesday, Marcos expressed his intention to seek Yulo’s insights, following the athlete’s impressive performance that ended the country’s Olympic gold medal drought with back-to-back victories in Paris.
“When we meet, I will ask him what more the government can do to increase our number of Olympic medalists,” Marcos said.
Yulo, 24, secured his first gold medal on Saturday and followed it with another gold on Sunday.
Marcos believes Yulo’s perspective is invaluable. “I think he will continue to achieve greater heights in sports, and I believe he is the best person to ask about what additional support is needed,” the President added.
As a reward for his achievements, Yulo will receive P10 million from the Philippine Sports Commission, in accordance with the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act (Republic Act 10699). Additionally, he will receive P6 million from the House of Representatives and a fully furnished three-bedroom condominium unit worth P24 million in McKinley Hill from Megaworld. Private companies have also pledged lifetime supplies of food and services.
In addition to Yulo’s success, weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz also brought home a gold medal from the Tokyo Olympics in 2022.