Country's first ever male gold medallist showered in bizarre gifts after Olympic success
Yeah sure, the USA and China are absolutely dominating the Olympic Medal Table this year. Shock.
But while the biggies celebrate even more wins, there’s still plenty of wholesome moments, like the country having its first ever male gold medallist.
Philippines gymnast Carlos Yulo made history when he topped the podium on Saturday (3 August) in the floor event before winning the vault less than 24 hours later.
So, becoming the first two-time gold medallist for his country, the 24-year-old has been showered in bizarre gifts following his Olympic Success.
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It was already well-publicised that Yulo would be landing himself a condo for getting gold, but it hasn’t stopped there.
Yeah, in case you missed that, the athlete was set to bag a two-bedroom condo worth 24,000,000 Philippine peso (£327,932) in Manila thanks to property developer Megaworld Corp.
And there was all kinds of chat over if he’d get a second pad for his second medal. But instead, the company ‘upgraded’ his reward to a three-bed condo worth even more cash.
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His new flat is in Megaworld Corp’s McKingley Hill township which is billed as being home to ‘several world-class athletes, including members of the Philippine national teams for basketball and football’.
As well as his condo, Yulo will receive 3 million Philippine peso (£40,992) in cash from the company. But the prizes get a little more random than a place to live and more money from the government and House of Representatives.
Waiting for him in the Philippines are lifetime supplies of ramen, mac and cheese and grilled chicken from various restaurant chains. Oh, and free buffets too, apparently.
The University of Mindanao has also pledged free university credits for Yulo should he wish to boost his studies.
Potentially the most bizarre however, a gastroenterologist has offered the Olympian free consultations and free colonoscopies for the rest of his life.
Manila’s mayor, Honey Lacuna, told the BBC how Yulo’s home city is preparing a ‘hero’s welcome’ for him to return to.
“The grandest welcome will greet him and all our Paris Olympians. When we meet him, we will present Carlos Yulo cash incentives, awards, and symbols of the eternal gratitude of the proud capital city of the Philippines,” she said.
After picking up his second gold, Yulo said: “I was just hoping to perform well. I didn't really expect a medal. It really felt like a bonus for me.
"It's crazy, because last night I couldn't sleep. I was so hyped because I had won that gold medal [the day before].”
Topics: Olympics, Sport, World News
Jess Battison