Carlos Yulo is PSA's 'Athlete of the Year'
Carlos Yulo is set to be honored as the 2024 "Athlete of the Year" by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) following his historic feat of winning two gold medals at the Paris Olympics.
In a statement on their Facebook page, the media organization announced that Yulo was the "overwhelming choice" for the title in their annual awarding ceremony this January.
"Carlos Yulo made everything moot and academic," they said. "The human dynamo gymnast made history as the first-ever Filipino athlete to win two gold medals in the Olympics in a fitting exploit celebrating the country’s century of participation in the Summer Games.
"For such a breakthrough accomplishment, this one was a no-brainer as Yulo was the overwhelming choice as the 2024 Athlete of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association," they added.
PSA president Nelson Beltran, who is also the sports editor of The Philippine Star, further praised Yulo for his back-to-back achievements.
"From a great Olympic performance to an even greater Olympic show, and from one big breakthrough to an even bigger breakthrough–thanks to Carlos Yulo whose giant feat we will celebrate in handling him our highest accolades," he said.
The 24-year-old athlete made his country proud when he topped the men’s floor exercise and vault, respectively, earning him a rare double gold at the prestigious sports competition.
Because of this, he was showered with a wide array of prizes such as a three-bedroom condo unit, house and lot, millions of cash from the government and other supporters, and more.
The PSA noted that he is the first gymnast to be recognized with the Athlete of the Year title since Pia Adelle Reyes in 1997.
"By rewriting history, Yulo lined himself up as one of the greatest, if not the greatest, Filipino athletes of all time," they highlighted.
Apart from the Athlete of the Year, several awards are also lined up during the formal presentation, including the National Sports Associations of the Year, Major Awardees in other sports, President’s Award, Executive of the Year, Citations, Tony Siddayao Awards, among others.
The Hall of Fame and Special Recognition to Filipino Olympians–the Paris Olympics and Paralympics included– will also be handed out in the event.
The award show will take place on Jan. 27 at the grand ballroom of the Manila Hotel.
