Philippine Sports Commission Chairman Dickie Bachmann (File photo)
PARIS – Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Chairman Dickie Bachmann on Sunday extolled the concerted efforts extended by various individuals and sectors for the success of gymnast Carlos Yulo in the Paris Olympics here.
Yulo further galvanized his status as perhaps the greatest Filipino Olympian by winning his second gold medal on Sunday – a day after nailing his first gold at the Bercy Arena.
Yulo’s rare double-gold showing, Bachmann said, won’t be possible without the help of Team Yulo – coach Aldrin Castaneda, a therapist, and even the indefatigable gymnastics president Cynthia Carreon.
“It was a destiny shaped by everyone’s efforts,” said Bachmann. “Thanks to everyone’s support, the nation celebrates the milestones we've achieved. In just two days, Carlos Yulo brought home two gold medals, but we’re not stopping there.”
Boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas are already assured of a bronze medal each advancing to the semis of their respective events while EJ Obiena is competing in pole vault finals at press time.
“We commend everyone’s involvement in bringing the country back to glory. I am confident that all Filipinos are celebrating this special achievement like never before,” added Bachmann.
‘Different level’
For his part, Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) president Abraham “Bambol” Tolentino said with Yulo’s two gold medals, the Philippines celebrated it’s hundred years of Olympic participation in the most spectacular and historic way.
“It took three generations for Hidilyn [Diaz] to win our first Olympic gold in Tokyo and it took another Olympic cycle to double that achievement,” Tolentino said on Monday, the morning after Yulo’s amazing Paris weekend where he won the floor exercise on Saturday and the vault on Sunday.
“Answered prayers,” said Tolentino, in an almost hoarse voice as he incessantly cheers every Filipino competing in this Paris Olympics.
“Caloy Yulo is definitely on a different level, with two Olympic gold medals, he will be on top of the conversation as the Philippines’ greatest athletes,” he said. “Mabuhay ka Caloy Yulo! The most bemedalled Pinoy athlete!”
“Caloy is the most bemedaled athlete in Philippine history with 23 gold medals and a total of 38 medals,” said Tolentino, adding Lydia De Vega and Elma Muros-Posadas each won 24 medals in their careers. “We all love them.”
The celebration, Tolentino said, is not over—especially the expectation for more gold medals.
“EJ and Aira and Nesthy are to go on board and the confidence level for them to succeed is that high,” Tolentino said. (PR)
