- Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo takes home huge prizes
- He won two gold medals at the Olympic Games
- Yulo has been given a lifetime supply of colonoscopies
Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo has made himself a national icon after his heroics in Paris.
The 24-year-old takes home two historic gold medals from the Olympics and is due for a hero’s welcome upon his return.
According to CNBC, Yulo has much more in store for him besides his gold medals.
He will reportedly receive 10 million pesos (£136,591) from the Philippine government, as well as another 6 million pesos (£81,955) in cash rewards from the House of Representatives.
But beyond the money, he’s also received support from local businesses. Yulo has been given a three-bedroom house in Taguig City, plus a lifetime supply of ramen, macaroni and cheese, and colonoscopies.
“Congratulations to our very own Golden Boy for winning his second gold medal in the men’s artistic gymnastics – vault!” a ramen bar in Calasiao wrote in a social media post.
‘To celebrate your extraordinary achievement, we are excited to give a special gift: FREE LIFETIME RAMEN, not only to you, but also to your wonderful and supportive friend, Chloe Anjeleigh. Enjoy the taste of victory and love with every bowl!’
Yulo has won the first gold medal of any color for his country in gymnastics and only the second (and third) gold medal in Olympic history.
Filipino athlete Carlos Yulo receives bizarre award for his Olympic victories
The gymnast won two gold medals for his country at the Paris Games
He’ll have a lifetime supply of ramen, macaroni and cheese, and colonoscopies
“I just hoped to do 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,” Yulo said Sunday.
“It still hasn’t sunk in. This morning I was so sleepy. I didn’t know what to do. But I did it today,” he said.
Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. said on Facebook: “Filipinos around the world stood united, cheering and supporting” Yulo.
“No words can express how proud we are of you, Caloy. You have achieved not one, but two GOLD for the Philippines!”
The prizes Yulo wins are quite extravagant compared to those of Australian athletes.
Stars who win gold will receive $20,000, silver medalists will be rewarded with $15,000 and those who win bronze will win $10,000 from the Australian Olympic Committee’s medal incentive fund.
Athletes who win multiple gold medals will still only receive $20,000 total.
For comparison, athletes from Hong Kong who win gold receive $1.17 million and athletes from Singapore who win the top prize receive $1.13 million.