Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo won his second Olympic gold medal in two days, becoming the nation’s second athlete to win the Olympics’ top prize.
The government and local brands have promised the 24-year-old a series of gifts including a three-bedroom apartment, thousands of dollars and free ramen noodles for life in honor of the 24-year-old’s historic victory in the men’s floor exercise and vault competitions.
Mr Yolo’s feat also makes him the country’s latest social media sensation.
“The Philippines wins gold again! History is made again! You are great! [You are incredible!]one user wrote on X.
Yulo averaged 15.116 on the vault on Sunday, ahead of Armenia’s Artur Davtyan (14.966) and Britain’s Harry Hepworth (14.949).
After hearing his score, he threw his arms in the air and hugged other athletes. He told reporters he didn’t go into the game with high expectations.
“I just hope to do well. I don’t really expect to win a medal,” Mr Yulo said.
“This really feels like an added bonus to me. It’s crazy because I couldn’t sleep last night. I’m so excited because I won the gold medal [the day before].
Just 24 hours earlier, Mr. Yulo won the men’s floor exercise gold medal with 15 points, beating Israel’s Artem Dolgopyat by just 0.034 points. Mr. Dolgopiat is the reigning Olympic champion and world champion title holder.
Mr. Yulo’s double-gold feat is now the most discussed topic on Philippine X (formerly known as Twitter).
“It took us 100 years to hear Lupang Hinirang [the Philippines’ national anthem] For two nights in a row, the world was watching. Thank you so much for the proud and historic moment!
A century has passed since the Philippines first participated in the Olympic Games in 1924.
Filipino celebrities and public figures, including President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and First Lady Lisa Araneta-Marcos, also congratulated Mr. Yulo.
Marcos wrote on Facebook: “Calloy, we are so proud of you that words cannot express it. You won the gold medal for the Philippines, not once, but twice! Filipinos around the world unite, Cheers and support for you.
The Philippine government will give the gymnast 10 million Philippine pesos ($173,300; £135,400) – a reward promised to all gold medalists – while a real estate company has promised him a house on McKinley Hill A fully furnished three-bedroom unit, Mount McKinley is the largest condominium development in the Philippines.
The House of Representatives promised Mr. Yulo an additional 6 million pesos in cash incentives, with Lower House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez calling him a “sports hero” and a “national treasure.”
Even medical clinics and universities rolled out the red carpet for the national hero—gastroenterologists offered Mr. Yulo free lifetime consultations and colonoscopies, while the University of Mindanao promised free college credits.
There is still something waiting for him Lifelong supply of ramenmacaroni and cheese, and grilled chicken from various restaurant chains.
At the same time, Manila, the capital where Mr. Yulo was born and raised, is preparing a “hero’s welcome ceremony” for him.
“He and all our Paris Olympians will receive the greatest welcome. When we meet him, we will present Carlos Yulo with cash prizes, awards and emblems to express the eternity of the proud capital of the Philippines gratitude.
Additional reporting by Virma Simonette in Manila
