Tokyo 2020 gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz and Paris 2024 gold medalist Carlos Yulo had an emotional meeting in France as they celebrated the latter's historic double gold in the Olympics.
The Philippines’ golden boy and golden girl have met once more—this time in Paris, France.
After his historic run in the Olympic Games Paris 2024, where he bagged two gold medals in the floor exercise and vault in the men’s artistic gymnastics, Carlos Yulo has been taking his time to enjoy Paris.
While strolling in France, Yulo was joined by Hidilyn Diaz, the country’s first Olympic gold medalist, as they shared an emotional hug. Philippine Olympic Committee President Bambol Tolentino likewise joined them during the trip.
Diaz, who made history as the Philippines' first-ever Olympic gold medalist at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, reflected on her journey when she met Yulo and shared her message for the golden boy.
"I’m so proud of you. Alam ko ‘yung pinagdadaanan niya. Nasa side lang ako pero alam ko. I’m so proud of you na na-overcome mo ‘yung lahat ng challenges," Diaz said to Yulo, acknowledging the challenges he faced and overcame on his path to Olympic glory.
Yulo, meanwhile, shared how Diaz’s success in Tokyo 2020 motivated him to aim for greatness.
"Nag-backtrack po sakin yung Tokyo Olympics talaga," Yulo recalled. "Nagkita kami nung gabi and then ayun yung time na nanalo siya ng gold medal. Pinakita niya sakin yung gold medal and sabi ko sa sarili ko, ako din next time."
“Maiyak-iyak ako nung sinabi ko nun kasi grabe yung na-experience ko nung Tokyo. Sobrang overwhelmed ako and ‘di ko alam ano gagawin. Sobrang frustrated ako that time," he added.
But after overcoming all the difficulties, Yulo can finally say that all his hard work and sacrifices were worth it.
"Ngayon, sobrang worth it lahat talaga ng pagod at paghihirap ko. Grabe yung naging insipiration and motivation ko mula kay ate Hidilyn. Palagi ko yun dala-dala,” said Yulo.
Diaz and Yulo have indeed become beacons of hope and inspiration for the Philippines, proving that with determination and perseverance, anything is possible.