Carlos Yulo is recognized as “Athlete of the Year” by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA).
Photo: Reuters via PH Olympic Committee
On January 2, PSA announced on Facebook that Carlos was an “overwhelming choice” for the award, following his breakthrough accomplishments and show-stopping performances that made Filipinos proud.
“The human dynamo gymnast made history as the first-ever Filipino athlete to win two gold medals in the Olympics in a fitting exploit celebrating the country’s century of participation in the Summer Games,” the PSA wrote, sharing that the world-class Filipino athlete deserves the recognition.
“Yulo’s triumph was a fitting follow up on weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz ending the country’s search for its first Olympic gold during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics when she triumphed in the women’s 55kg class final in dramatic fashion,” it added.
The 24-year-old artistic gymnast made history in the 2024 Paris Olympics by winning two gold medals in the men’s floor exercise and vault categories. In the men’s floor event, he scored a total of 15.000 points, beating reigning champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel, who earned 14.966 points. Afterward, he clinched gold in the men’s vault event with a score of 15.116 points, surpassing Armenia’s Artur Davtyan with 14.966 points.
With this career-defining milestone, he became the first Filipino athlete to win back-to-back Olympic gold medals in the Philippines. He is also regarded as a two-time Olympic Champion and a nine-time SEA Games champion.
The PSA also noted that Carlos would be the first gymnast to receive the prestigious award since Pia Adelle Reyes in 1997.
“By rewriting history, Yulo lined himself up as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Filipino athletes of all time,” the statement concluded.
The Philippine Sportswriters Association is known as the oldest media organization in the Philippines. Its membership is composed of sports editors and sportswriters from the country’s leading broadsheets, tabloids, and online media platforms.
The awards night will be held on January 27 at the grand ballroom of the Manila Hotel.
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