Philippine Embassy in Paris holds Mass for 2-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo

The Philippine Embassy in Paris, France held a Eucharistic celebration for two-time Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo, JP Soriano reported Sunday on 24 Oras Weekend.

Yulo prayed solemnly as the priest blessed him.

“Bigyan niya ako ng guidance, lakas, pagmamahal po sa sarili ko at syempre  pagmamahal para makapagshare po ako sa ibang tao. Yung mga next goals ko and plans po na gabayan niya ako, gabayan niya kami ng team ko, gabayan niya po kami ng partner ko,” Yulo said.

(I prayed that He guide me and grant me strength, love for myself, and of course love to share with other people. I also pray that God may guide me in my next  goals and plans, guide my team, and guide me and my partner.)

Yulo won two gold medals in the Paris Olympics as he dominated the floor exercise and the vault Artistic Gymnastics events.

Filipinos in the embassy also did not miss the chance to take a photo with the golden boy.

Yulo and boxing bronze medalist Aira Villegas will serve as the country's flag bearers for the 2024 Paris Olympics closing ceremony. 

Team Philippines is set to return home on Monday.

After his commitment to the Philippines, Yulo plans to visit Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya.

“Hindi rin naman po ako makakarating sa ganitong level kung hindi dahil sa  coash ko na yun. Sa lahat ng mga taong tumulong sa akin sa japan, i  wanna thank them,” Yulo said.

(I wouldn’t be able to reach this level if it wasn’t for my coach. I want to thank all the people who helped in Japan.)

For the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, the Gymnastics Association of the  Philippines plans to send a whole team instead of a lone athlete.

Among their plans is the possibility of recruiting Yulo’s younger brother Karl Eldrew Yulo.

“They want me to have the world championship sa Pilipinas because of Karl  Eldrew, the brother of Carlos. He’s very very good. He’s going to be another champion. I’m telling you already, magiging Olympic champion  nanaman yan,” GAP President Cynthia Carrion said.

Filipino-British gymnast Jake Jarman was previously asked if there was a possibility that he would represent the Philippines.

He said it would be “amazing,” but he will remain with team Great Britain for the next four years. — Mariel Celine Serquiña/DVM, GMA Integrated News