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Filipino gymnast Carlos "Caloy" Yulo recently made history in the Philippines by becoming its first gymnast to win two gold medals at the Olympics. He achieved this remarkable feat in artistic gymnastics, winning gold in the men's floor exercise with a score of 15.000 and in the men's vault finals with a score of 15.116.

In recognition of his outstanding achievements, Carlos was awarded the Presidential Medal of Merit by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr himself. This prestigious award honors individuals who have gained international recognition for the country in various fields, including sports.

Additionally, Carlos received 20 million pesos from the Office of the President, separate from the incentives provided under the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. He also received an amity card from the MTRCB, valid until June 30, 2025, and a travel tax exemption until June 30, 2028, from the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA).

During the event, Carlos delivered a heartfelt speech on behalf of the Philippine Olympic team. He thanked everyone who supported and watched the team, "Maraming maraming salamat po sa mga taong nagdasal po, nag-take ng effort magpuyat para panoorin po 'yung Olympics at masaksihan po 'yung mga pinag-training-an po namin ng mga atletang Pilipino."

Carlos also expressed gratitude for the training camp in Metz, France, which he credited with helping him prepare for the Olympics.

"Gusto ko po magpasalamat sa pagbigay po sa amin ng training camp sa Metz (France) po. Sobrang malaking tulong po nu'n sa akin, nakapag-adjust sa oras, nagamay din po 'yung weather kaya sobrang laking bagay po sa akin po iyon na nakakonekta po sa gintong medalya po," he expressed.

He also gave special thanks to Cynthia Carrion from the Philippine Olympic Committee, acknowledging her support for all gymnasts.

"Maraming maraming salamat po sa POC, kay Ma'am Cynthia, Gymnastics Association of the Philippines. Siya po 'yung nag-handle po sa amin, nagtaguyod po sa gymnastics po. Maraming maraming salamat po sa inyo Ma'am Cynthia. Grabe po 'yung suporta na binigay ninyo po," he added.

Carlos concluded his speech by expressing pride in his fellow Olympic athletes and encouraging them to continue striving for excellence.

He expressed, "Syempre sa lahat po ng atleta po, sobrang proud po ako na ipinaglaban po natin, binigay natin yung best natin sa lahat po. Dugo't pawis ang inalay natin. 'Di pa nagsisimula yung competition sobrang proud na proud ako sa inyong lahat. Ngayon at tapos na po ang kompetisyon, celebrate natin yung mga nakuha nating resulta at mas galingan natin sa mga susunod na kompetisyon."

Together with Carlos, all athletes who represented the Philippines during the Olympics received cash incentives and awards as well from the President.

Following the award ceremony, Carlos and other Olympic athletes from Manila will be celebrated in a Heroes' Welcome parade this afternoon, starting from the Aliw Theater and proceeding to the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex.

Meanwhile, take a look at Carlos Yulo's journey to the 2024 Paris Olympics in this gallery: