Carlos Yulo’s Historic Triumph Celebrated at the Philippine Embassy in Paris
On August 10th, 2024, the Philippine Embassy in Paris became the center of a joyous celebration as Filipino gymnastics star Carlos Yulo attended a thanksgiving lunch and meet-and-greet with the Filipino community. The event was organized to honor Yulo’s remarkable double gold victory in the recent Paris Olympics, marking a significant milestone in the history of Philippine sports.
A Grand Welcome for a National Hero
Philippine Ambassador Juniver Mahilum-West led the event, warmly welcoming Yulo, whose arrival was met with great enthusiasm by the Filipino community. Community leaders and members expressed their immense pride in Yulo’s achievements, capturing the moment with photos and heartfelt congratulations. Ambassador Mahilum-West highlighted the unprecedented nature of Yulo’s victories, emphasizing that no Filipino athlete had previously reached such heights, not only in the Olympics but also in other prestigious international competitions. This event was more than just a celebration; it was a historic moment that underscored the potential of Filipino athletes to excel on the global stage.
A Day of Celebration and Reflection
The event began with a solemn mass, where prayers were offered for Yulo’s continued success and well-being, as well as for the entire Philippine Olympic delegation. The community gathered in a spirit of unity and gratitude, recognizing the hard work and dedication that led to Yulo’s achievements. This spiritual reflection set a reflective tone for the day, emphasizing the collective support that has been integral to Yulo’s journey.
After the mass, attendees enjoyed a traditional Filipino lunch, featuring a variety of dishes such as nilaga, pancit, and sweet treats like puto, cassava cakes, and other traditional Filipino dishes. This communal meal was more than just nourishment; it symbolized the shared pride and joy of the Filipino community, celebrating Yulo’s achievements in a manner that brought everyone together.
Recognizing the Broader Impact
In a brief interview, Paris chef de mission Governor Jonvic Remulla addressed the Filipino public, celebrating the victories of not only Carlos Yulo but also Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, stating, “The medals mean a lot, but I hope the inspiration means more.” He encouraged the youth by saying, “Even if we are a small nation without much wealth, as long as the youth dedicate themselves to their dreams, they will reach the apex of success.” When asked about the programs in place for the 2028 Olympics, he replied that qualifying delegates again is one of the goals, but above all, he emphasized the development of grassroots programs focusing on other Olympic sports like dancing and many others, believing that the Philippines has a great chance of successful medal quests. Remulla reiterated his commitment to supporting grassroots sports development, emphasizing the importance of nurturing young talent to ensure continued success on the world stage.
Cathy Carrion: The Advocate Behind the Champion
Cathy Carrion, a pivotal figure in Yulo’s gymnastics career, also shared her thoughts during the event. She recounted how she first recognized Yulo’s potential at the 2016 Voronin Cup, where he won a bronze medal in the junior all-around competition. Moved by his talent and determination, Carrion committed herself to supporting Yulo’s journey, which eventually led to his historic double gold win. Her advocacy for Yulo included inviting the Japanese Olympic Association and bringing renowned gymnastics coach Munehiro Kugiyama to the Philippines, a decision that played a crucial role in Yulo’s development.
Carrion shared her plans to field at least four gymnasts for the Philippine team in the next Olympics, including Yulo’s younger brother, Eldrew, whom she believes has similar potential. She expressed her gratitude to Senator Francis Tolentino for his unwavering support of the Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (GAP), which has been instrumental in Yulo’s success.
Richard Bachmann and Senator Francis Tolentino: Emphasizing Communityb Support and Grassroots Development
Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Richard “Dickie” Bachmann, who has been a strong supporter of the Filipino athletes during the Paris Olympics, also expressed his appreciation to the Filipino community for their unwavering support. He acknowledged the collective effort that contributed to the success of athletes like Yulo, Petecio, and Villegas.
Senator Francis Tolentino, who played a crucial role in supporting GAP, also expressed his appreciation to the Filipino community. He emphasized that the success of athletes like Yulo is a testament to what can be achieved when there is strong support from both the government and the community.
Carlos Yulo: A Reflection on Gratitude and Humility
In an interview during the event, Carlos Yulo expressed his deep gratitude to God, his supporters, and all those who contributed to his success. He shared his prayers, saying, “May He give me guidance, strength, love for myself, and of course love so that I can share with others. I also pray that He guides me in my next goals and plans, guides my team, and guides my partner.” Yulo’s humility was evident as he reflected on his achievements, admitting that he is still in disbelief over his double gold win. He shared that he plans to take a brief break upon returning home to focus on personal matters before resuming his training for future competitions.
When asked about his former coach in Japan, Yulo spoke with deep respect and appreciation, saying, “I wouldn’t have reached this level if it weren’t for coach Mune. To all the people who helped me in Japan, I want to thank them.” He acknowledged that he would not have achieved his current success without the guidance and support he received from his mentor, clubs, and associations in Japan. Yulo expressed his intention to visit Japan to personally thank those who were instrumental in his journey, underscoring his deep sense of humility and appreciation for the contributions of others to his success.
Looking to the Future
Cathy Carrion spoke passionately about the need for continued support and development of gymnastics in the Philippines. She revealed several projects aimed at improving the sport, ensuring that the country continues to produce athletes capable of competing at the highest levels. Carrion’s vision, coupled with Yulo’s success, provides a beacon of hope for the future of Philippine sports.
Governor Jonvic Remulla highlighted the importance of community and government support and envisioned stronger backing from the administration.
Conclusion: A Symbol of What Is Possible
Carlos Yulo’s thanksgiving lunch at the Philippine Embassy was a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through determination, community support, and a strong sense of national pride. Yulo’s achievements have inspired not only the Filipino community in Paris but also countless others around the world, proving that with the right support and dedication, Filipino athletes can continue to make their mark on the global stage. As the Philippines looks to the future, there is a renewed sense of hope and possibility in the realm of sports, with Carlos Yulo leading the way as a symbol of what is possible.
