"Golden Boy" Carlos Yulo Gets a Warm Welcome in ABS-CBN

The outcome of receiving an Olympic medal cements a new level of status once an athlete arrives home—almost an entirely inconceivable new life. But what happens when someone gets to be the first in the country to win not one, but two Olympic gold medals? He deserves no less than a hero’s welcome. And such was the case for gymnast Carlos Yulo, whose trip to the ABS-CBN compound was met with a swarm of fans and eruptive chants that echoed throughout the halls. Many of his admirers got to know the Olympian even in such a short visit. 

The man behind the sport 

Dubbed the “Golden Boy,” Carlos’ mere presence in the studio more than reaffirmed the nickname. And yet, the gymnast’s shy demeanor in the middle of cheers from adoring fans is only one of his many admirable traits. “Grabe,” he laughs, “nakaka-overwhelm ang pag-welcome niyo po sa akin. Salamat po.” 

For someone who has very recently—and very quickly—received an astounding amount of glory, it was clear that his thoughts went beyond himself. He shared this glory with others, expressing his gratitude during an interview with TV Patrol Express that even an athlete’s team, including the coaches, are also able to get their due recognition. 

What would Carlos do

It was also clear that he believed in encouraging younger athletes. In an alternate world where Carlos wasn’t a gymnast, he said he would still do something sports-related, maybe even teach it. However, in this world, he still hopes to be able to open facilities in the future to train gymnasts. 

When asked if he would ever try showbiz after his newfound fame, his answer was quick. “Actually, hindi po,” Carlos says. “Magkaibang mundo po kasi sila.” 

Getting the dream beyond the dream

Still, there’s no arguing that Carlos’ world has changed. Between the millions-worth of prizes he’s been awarded and the attention from new admirers all across the nation, was it all ever something that the Golden Boy saw for himself?

“Naka-focus po kasi ako sa medal ko talaga,” says Carlos. “Hindi ko po in-expect na mabibigyan ako ng parangal ng ganun kalaking halaga.” 

Still, with many young athletes looking up to him after his epic win, he has hopes for the future of gymnastics. He dreams of a world in which the sport becomes more popular among Filipinos everywhere. And with his international win being a first step for the whole country, he’s hoping that the Philippines can be known worldwide for gymnastics as well.

“Sa mga bata nga gustong sumubok, bukas naman po ang Gymnastics Association of the Philippines,” he says with an encouraging smile. “Simulan na natin mag-try out ngayon.” 

Perhaps all this is only telling of who Carlos Yulo truly is. He has become a symbol of hope for athletes in the country—living proof that sheer determination lets young people jump to heights never before imagined. And still, after reaching the dream, he smiles at the crowd of waving flags with pure and unwavering gratitude. 

Text by Tim Marasigan

Photos by Elise Garaldé