Tharman lauds PH Olympians

The Philippines rolls out the red carpet for Singaporean President Tharman Shanmugaratnamupon his arrival in Manila | (PPA POOL / Noel B. Pabalate)

The historic feat of star gymnast Carlos Yulo was an “impressive milestone” not just for the Philippines but for Southeast Asia too as he was the only athlete from the region who won two Olympic gold medals at the Paris Olympics.This accolade came from Singapore President Tharman Shanmugaratnam during his bilateral meeting with President Marcos in Malacañang on Thursday.

The two leaders’ discussion on foreign policy and collaborative efforts suddenly shifted to sports when Tharman mentioned Yulo’s victory in gymnastics earlier this month.

“You know, these things do matter. There was just something very impressive about the performance of Filipino athletes at the Olympic games,” he began.

The Singaporean leader pointed out that the 24-year-old gymnast was the only athlete from the region who brought home two gold medals.

“It’s a real milestone for all of us. I mean, we shine a bit of the reflected glory of the Philippines … That’s the power of sports,” Tharman said, adding that Yulo’s victory “gave everyone a boost because of national pride.”

Mr. Marcos was all smiles and beaming with pride as he listened to the Singaporean president’s praises for the star gymnast.

Heroes’ welcome

In response, Mr. Marcos said the Filipino people’s welcome for the victorious Filipino Olympians—not just Yulo—was overwhelming.

He recalled the heroes’ welcome for the athletes held in Malacañang on Tuesday night to fete Yulo and boxers Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas, who brought home bronze medals for the country as well.

“I was telling everyone that night that it’s not about us. We are just a reflected glory over here and trying to be part of the achievements of our athletes,” Mr. Marcos said.

He added: “We’re very, very proud … It was really, really, a very happy day for the entire Philippines … It gave everyone a boost. It really did.”

Tharman’s effusive praise for the Philippines’ golden boy came on the heels of a heartwarming, two-hour welcome parade for the Filipino Olympians on Wednesday afternoon.

The day before, Mr. Marcos announced an additional incentive of P20 million for Yulo and an additional P2 million for Petecio and Villegas, on top of their other incentives from the private sector and as mandated by Republic Act No. 10699 or the National Athletes and Coaches Benefits and Incentives Act. INQ