In a momentous event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Filipino gymnast Carlos Yulo delivered breathtaking performances that earned him two gold medals in the men's floor exercise and vault. These victories not only mark significant milestones in Yulo's career but also in the history of Philippine sports. Let's delve into the details of these historic achievements, the journey leading up to them, and their impact on the future of gymnastics in the Philippines.
The Performances that Made History
Floor Exercise
On August 3, 2024, at the Bercy Arena in Paris, Carlos Yulo executed a flawless routine in the floor exercise that captivated both the audience and the judges. His performance was a masterclass in gymnastics, showcasing a combination of high-flying tumbles, intricate spins, and impeccable execution. Yulo's routine was highlighted by a high-flying 2-1/2 double piked front somersault and an astonishing 3-1/2 twisting forward somersault, which he executed with finesse and confidence.
The difficulty level of his routine, combined with near-perfect execution, earned him an impressive score of 15.000 points. This score was enough to edge out Israel's Artem Dolgopyat, the Tokyo 2020 champion, who scored 14.966 points, and Great Britain's Jake Jarman, who secured the bronze with a score of 14.933 points.
Vault
Just one day after his historic win in the floor exercise, Yulo added another gold medal to his collection by triumphing in the men's vault final on August 4, 2024. Riding on the momentum of his golden performance in the floor exercise, the 24-year-old Yulo averaged 15.116 points to claim the top prize, sending the country into a frenzied celebration for the second straight night.Yulo impressed with his first vault, netting 15.433 points, and garnered 14.800 points in his second vault. His total score of 15.166 points was enough to secure the gold medal, making him the Philippines' first double Olympic gold medalist. Armenia’s Artur Davtyan settled for silver for the second straight Games with 14.966 points, while Great Britain’s Harry Hepworth bagged bronze with 14.949 points.
Carlos Yulo's Strategy for the Vault Final at Paris 2024
Carlos Yulo's double gold medal triumph at the 2024 Paris Olympics was a result of meticulous planning, strategic execution, and unwavering determination. His strategy for the vault final, in particular, was a masterclass in precision and athletic prowess. Here, we delve into the key elements of Yulo's strategy that led to his historic victory in the vault final.
The Vaults: Ri Se Gwang and Kasamatsu Double Twist
Yulo's strategy for the vault final hinged on his selection of two highly difficult vaults: the Ri Se Gwang and the Kasamatsu double twist. These vaults are known for their high difficulty scores, which are crucial in securing top marks in gymnastics competitions.
Ri Se Gwang
The Ri Se Gwang vault, named after the North Korean gymnast who popularized it, is one of the most challenging vaults in gymnastics. It involves a front handspring onto the vaulting table, followed by two twists in a tucked position. Yulo's execution of this vault was near perfect, earning him a difficulty score of 6.000 and an execution score of 9.433, for a total of 15.433 points—the highest score of the night.
Kasamatsu Double Twist
For his second vault, Yulo chose the Kasamatsu double twist, a vault that involves a round-off onto the springboard, a back handspring onto the vaulting table, and two twists in the air before landing. This vault earned him a difficulty score of 5.600 and an execution score of 9.200, resulting in a total score of 14.800 points.
Execution and Consistency
Yulo's strategy emphasized not only the difficulty of his vaults but also their execution. In gymnastics, the execution score is critical as it reflects the gymnast's form, technique, and landing. Yulo's ability to perform these high-difficulty vaults with minimal deductions was key to his success.
First Vault: Setting the Bar High
Yulo's first vault, the Ri Se Gwang, set the tone for the competition. By achieving the highest score of 15.433 on his first attempt, he placed immense pressure on his competitors. This strategic move ensured that he was in a strong position early in the final, making it difficult for others to surpass his score.
Second Vault: Securing the Lead
With his second vault, the Kasamatsu double twist, Yulo aimed to consolidate his lead. Despite a slightly lower difficulty score, his consistent execution ensured that his overall average remained high. His total score of 15.116 points was enough to secure the gold medal, making him the only gymnast to score above 15 in the vault final.
Mental Preparation and Focus
Another crucial aspect of Yulo's strategy was his mental preparation. Coming off the momentum of his gold medal win in the floor exercise just a day earlier, Yulo approached the vault final with confidence and composure. This mental fortitude was evident in his flawless execution and ability to perform under pressure.
Training and Preparation
Yulo's success in the vault final was also a result of rigorous training and preparation. Under the guidance of his Japanese coach, Munehiro Kugimiya, Yulo honed his skills and perfected his technique. His training regimen included:
- Strength and Conditioning: Building the physical strength necessary to perform high-difficulty vaults.
- Technical Drills: Focusing on the mechanics of each vault to ensure precision and consistency.
- Mental Conditioning: Developing the mental resilience to handle the pressures of Olympic competition.
A Journey of Perseverance and Dedication
Carlos Yulo's journey to Olympic gold has been one of perseverance, dedication, and overcoming numerous challenges. At just 24 years old, Yulo has already made a name for himself in the world of gymnastics. His journey began in the Philippines, where he faced limited opportunities and resources for training. Recognizing his potential, Yulo moved to Japan to train under the guidance of Japanese coach Munehiro Kugimiya.
Training in Japan provided Yulo with the opportunity to hone his skills and compete at the highest level. His hard work and determination paid off when he won the gold medal in the floor exercise at the 2019 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships, making him the first Filipino gymnast to achieve such a feat. This victory was a precursor to his historic wins at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
The Impact of Yulo's Victories
Carlos Yulo's gold medal wins at the Paris 2024 Olympics are monumental achievements for the Philippines. They are the country's first gold medals in artistic gymnastics and only the second and third Olympic gold medals in its history. The first was won by weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
Yulo's victories have not only brought pride and joy to the Filipino people but also highlighted the potential of Filipino athletes on the global stage. His success serves as an inspiration to young gymnasts in the Philippines and underscores the importance of investing in sports development and training programs.
Celebrations and Future Prospects
The celebrations following Yulo's victories were filled with emotion and pride. During the medal ceremonies, the Philippine national anthem, "Lupang Hinirang," was played twice, marking only the second and third times in Olympic history. Yulo, standing on the podium with his gold medals, sang the anthem with his right hand placed on his chest, moments that brought tears to many Filipinos around the world.
Despite the overwhelming emotions, Yulo remained composed and expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him throughout his journey. He dedicated his victories to the Filipino people and emphasized the significance of his achievements for his "really small country."
Looking ahead, Yulo's focus remains on continuing his gymnastics career and inspiring the next generation of athletes. He hopes that his historic wins will open doors for more children in the Philippines to take up gymnastics and pursue their dreams.
Carlos Yulo's double gold medal wins in the men's floor exercise and vault at the Paris 2024 Olympics are a testament to his talent, hard work, and determination. They are historic moments for the Philippines and sources of inspiration for aspiring gymnasts. As Yulo continues to make strides in his career, his legacy will undoubtedly pave the way for the growth and development of gymnastics in the Philippines.
