By Lance Joseph Martinez
Members of Carlos Yulo’s family have expressed their pride after the historic win of the gymnast during the men’s floor exercise finals at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Caloy, as the athlete is fondly called, became the first male athlete and first gymnast to win Olympic gold for the Philippines.
In a short video posted on GMA Sports PH, courtesy of Mark Anthony Torcelino, Caloy’s father, Mark Andrew, shared his emotions after witnessing his son achieve his ultimate dream.
“Masaya kasi matagal na panahon na nire-ready ni Caloy, simula noong 2020 Japan Olympics, four years niyang tiniis ‘yan, talagang pinagpaguran ng bata,” Mark shared emotionally.
He also added that he believes Caloy can win another gold medal in the men’s vault finals which will happen later.
In another interview with ABS-CBN News, Yulo’s grandmother, Angelita, admitted she was very emotional during Caloy’s win as the victory was unexpected.
“Akala namin kami lang ang nanonood, ayon pala gising ang lahat ng tao [kapitbahay] nanonood, inaabangan ‘yung laban niya. Kaya noong nanalo, nagpuntahan ang mga tao dito [sa bahay],” Angelita shared.
Carlos’ younger siblings, Eldrew and Elaiza, who are following in their Olympian brother’s footsteps as award-winning gymnasts, expressed their pride in their kuya’s achievement, noting that it gives hope to other Filipino gymnasts.
“Marami ding bata na naghahangad na maging katulad niya […] like me, gusto kong maging kagaya niya. One thing lang is sobrang nakakaproud kasi tumatak na sa larangan ng gymnastics ‘yung taga Pilipinas, si kuya, na siya na ‘yung pinakamagaling sa floor exercise,” Eldrew exclaimed.
Elaiza shared her feelings, saying, “Nakakakilabot kasi first time narinig ang national anthem [of Philippines] sa Olympic podium ng gymnastics po.”
They are also hoping for another medal for their brother in the men’s vault finals.
Elaiza and Eldrew are also making their own names in the country’s gymnastics landscape.
Eldrew won six gold medals at the Palarong Pambansa 2023 in the Men’s Secondary Artistic Gymnastics, while Elaiza captured gold medals in the FIG juniors division, as per the Adamson University where the two are studying.
