The family of Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo cheered and rejoiced on Sunday evening after he clinched his second gold medal, expressing their prayers and hopes for more success.
Mark Andrew Yulo, Carlos’ father, expressed his happiness to ABS-CBN News, acknowledging the tough competition his son faced. “Ang lalakas ng kalaban niya, talagang nakalaban niya yan sa nakaraang Olympics… talagang madugo yang laban na yan. Pinagpaguran niya,” he said.
He also conveyed a heartfelt message to his son: “Anak, congrats ulit, na-double gold ka na. History na ‘yan. Sana mag-bonding tayo ng kapatid mo at mama mo.”
Carlos’ grandfather, Rodrigo Frisco, who introduced him to gymnastics in 2008, celebrated two occasions on Sunday – his birthday and Carlos’ second gold medal. “Naku, jusko. Ang masasabi ko – hindi ko alam kung gaano kasaya, hindi ko ma-explain sa sobrang saya,” he shared. “Nadagdagan ang saya ko kasi parang dininig ni God ang prayers ko na maka-gold siya sa Olympics.”
Jerome Prado, Yulo’s childhood playmate and neighbor, expressed pride in Carlos’ achievements. “Naglalaro kami sa ‘Paraiso ng Batang Maynila’… malakas,” Prado said. “Congratulations. Dapat marami pa siyang makuhang gold.”
Carlos Yulo ruled the vault finals of men’s artistic gymnastics at the Bercy Arena on Sunday night, adding to his gold in the floor exercise, which was the Philippines’ first medal of the Summer Games. His victories ensure that the country will surpass its performance in Tokyo 2021, where Hidilyn Diaz brought home the Philippines’ first-ever gold medal.