House awards Carlos Yulo Congressional Medal of Excellence

The House of Representatives on Wednesday conferred Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo the Congressional Medal of Excellence for winning a record-setting two Olympic gold medals in the Paris Olympics.

This happened after the chamber adopted House Resolution 1864 authored by Speaker and Leyte lawmaker Martin Romualdez, Senior Deputy Speaker and Pampanga lawmaker Aurelio “Dong” Gonzales Jr., among other House leaders.

“For his remarkable victory and exceptional performances at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics that brought great honor and glory to the country while showcasing the magnanimity of a Filipino athlete, Carlos Edriel P. Yulo deserves utmost recognition and commendation,” the resolution read.

The 24-year-old Yulo, nicknamed Caloy, bagged the Olympic gold in floor exercise and vault in the men's artistic gymnastics with routines composed of difficult and twisting tumbling passes, high amplitude and stuck landings.

“Caloy Yulo is truly one of the greatest Filipino athletes of all time. His victory is a victory for every Filipino,” Romualdez said.

“It is such an extraordinary feat that should be emulated by all of us. Not all of us will be Olympians, but Caloy taught us we can be just as persevering in reaching for our dreams, for ourselves, for our family, for our community, for our country,” he added.

Yulo was raised in Leveriza, Manila, and caught interest in the sport by watching the country’s gymnasts train in Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

He eventually joined the national team at age 8.

Yulo, who also qualified in the Tokyo 2021 Olympics but did not win a medal, will be furnished with a copy of the resolution. — Llanesca T. Panti/RSJ, GMA Integrated News