Carlos Yulo captures 2 golds in Azerbaijan World Cup

WORLD TOP FILIPINO GYMNAST Carlos Yulo

MANILA — Multi-awarded Filipino Olympian Carlos Yulo concluded his stint in the Baku, Azerbaijan leg of the 2023 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series with a double gold medal harvest after conquering the men’s vault final on March 12.

President Ferdinand  Marcos Jr. immediately hailed Yulo after winning another gold medal in the Azerbaijan

“We celebrate another shining moment in the world of gymnastics with @c_edrielzxs double gold medal victory at the 2023 FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Cup Series in Baku, Azerbaijan,” Marcos said in a tweet.

“Congratulations, Carlos, and keep making history!” Marcos added.

Yulo flew back to Manila on March 14 from Azerbaijan for needed rest.

Gymnastics Association of the Philippines president Cynthia Carrion Norton said Yulo is in Manila to personally spread the word of gymnastics to the Filipino youth seeking glory the same way he did in reaching the top.

Yulo will be the main speaker when the GAP launches its grassroots development program  at his old training ground at the Rizal Memorial Sports Complex’s Gymnastics Hall in Malate, Manila.

Carrion said Yulo will speak before about a hundred aspiring young gymnasts, who are all eyeing to emulate his success as two-time world champion, three-time Asian titlist and seven-time Southeast Asian Games gold winner.

Yulo will stay in the country for 13 days and will leave for Japan where he will resume training

After ruling the parallel bars a day earlier, Yulo showed a masterful  performance with a handspring double front pike for 15.033 followed by a Lopez vault for 14.833.

Yulo garnered a 14.933 score and the championship trophy, while Harry Hepworth of Great Britain settled for silver with a score of 14.816.

Wai Hung Shek of Hong Kong also finished on the podium with the bronze medal after a score of 14.716.

On Friday, the 23-year-old athlete struck his first gold in this year’s World Cup during his pet event floor exercise in Doha, Qatar.

He also bagged bronze and silver medals in the parallel bars in the Cottbus and Doha legs, respectively, of the prestigious series.

The 4-foot-11 gymnast is set to join the fourth and last edition of the World Cup in Cairo, Egypt in April 27 to 30. (Jeanne Michael Penaranda)