Philippines Secures First Olympic Medal in Paris with Carlos Yulo’s Gymnastics Gold

PARIS — Gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo clinched a historic gold medal for the Philippines at the Paris Olympics, marking the nation’s first medal at this year’s Games and making it the only Southeast Asian country to ascend the medal tally so far.

According to Philippines News Agency, as of 3 a.m. Sunday, 58 nations had earned medals, with China leading the count. The Philippines distinguished itself among nations such as Argentina, Ecuador, Slovenia, Serbia, and Uganda, each having won a single gold medal since the commencement of the Games on July 26. This gold is notably the Philippines’ first-ever in gymnastics, spotlighting Yulo’s significant achievement amidst global competition.

The wider medal landscape sees the United States and France occupying the second and third positions respectively, followed by Australia, with Great Britain holding steady in fifth place. Meanwhile, other Asian nations like the Republic of Korea and Japan are also prominent in the top ten of the medal standings.

Further opportunities for the Philippines to augment its medal tally include Yulo’s upcoming participation in the men’s vault finals and EJ Obiena’s contest in the men’s pole vault finals. Additionally, Aira Villegas is poised to advance in women’s boxing, competing in the quarterfinals against France’s Wassila Lkhadiri for a spot in the medal rounds.