Carlos Edriel Yulo delivered an outstanding performance to clinch the men's floor exercise final at the Paris Games on Saturday, securing the Philippines' inaugural Olympic gymnastics medal. Yulo dedicated his victory to the Filipino people. This gold medal marks only the second-ever top prize for the Philippines in both Summer and Winter Games, and the first in the men's category. Weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz previously won gold in Tokyo three years ago.
"I don’t know what to say," remarked the 24-year-old, who narrowly missed a podium finish at the Tokyo 2020 Games. "We are a small country... So to win a gold medal is significant for us, enormous. I dedicate this to the Filipino people who supported me." Yulo executed his routine with precision, sticking most of his landings and celebrating with a double fist pump. He scored 15.000 points, narrowly defeating Tokyo champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel by 0.034 points. Top qualifier Jake Jarman of Britain took third place, just 0.067 points behind due to minor landing errors.
Upon seeing his final score on the big screen at Bercy Arena, Yulo, overwhelmed with emotion, covered his face and wept, collapsing to the ground. Filipino athletes in Paris were promised a fully furnished, two-bedroom condominium in Taguig City for winning gold. Yulo expressed gratitude for the reward but emphasized that it paled in comparison to his world title victory. "It's just a bonus for me. What really matters is this," he said, holding his medal. "My hard work and the support of those who helped me. I know my success is theirs too... I'm thrilled to have won gold and also a house," he chuckled.
Yulo, who trained in Japan for seven years due to limited opportunities at home, hopes his historic win will inspire Filipino children to take up gymnastics. "Hopefully, gymnastics in the country will flourish," he said.
