Carlos Yulo delivers clutch routine for historic floor exercise gold ...

3 Aug 2024

Olympics

Carlos Yulo has finally capitalised on his otherworldly ability.

The history-making Filipino gymnast wrote his name in the record books once again Saturday (3 August), claiming the gold medal in the men's floor exercise final at the Olympic Games Paris 2024.

Yulo earned a 15.000 after he stuck his three-and-a-half twist dismount cold. Savoring the moment on the podium, he pumped both his fists before presenting the judges, later saluting the fans in the audience and putting his hands to his heart.

"I'm so overwhelmed. I'm feeling grateful for having this medal and for God. He protected me, as always," he said afterward. "He gave me the strength to get through this kind of performance and perform this well."

Tokyo 2020 champion Artem Dolgopyat of Israel took the silver (14.966), with Great Britain's Jake Jarman (14.933) claiming bronze.

It's the first medal of any colour for the Philippines in gymnastics and just their second Olympic gold ever after Hidilyn Diaz won the Women's 55 kg event in weightlifting in Tokyo.

The triumph comes as the 24-year-old has struggled in recent years, including at the last Games in Tokyo, with consistenty and delivering in the most important moments.

For every breakthrough - including his first gold on the floor exercise at the 2019 Worlds - there have been heartbreaks, like last year's World Championships where he finished last in the all-around during qualifications, counting a 0.000 on the vault.

*"*I'm grateful for the people who really supported me. I could not do it without them," said Yulo.

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