Carlos Yulo, the Philippines’ first double Olympic gold medalist, says he is still getting used to his life in the public eye since his historic triumph in the Paris Games

MANILA, Philippines – Carlos Yulo is grateful for his new life of wealth and popularity, but it will take some getting used to.

The gymnastics ace says he is still adjusting after his historic run in the Paris Games, where he became the Philippines’ first double Olympic champion.

“The transition has been overwhelming… the recognition being given to me is already sinking in,” Yulo told reporters in Filipino on Friday, September 13.

“I used to take (ride hailing service app) Grab to my gym (in Intramuros), I could walk outside without commanding huge attention,” he added.

Longtime sports patron and business tycoon Manny V. Pangilinan awards P21 million total to Filipino Olympic medalists, headed by double-gold gymnastics icon Carlos Yulo, and their coaches for their Paris Games exploits

“I thank everybody who approaches me and asks to take photos with them, it’s a blessing from God… I’m still in shock, since my simple life is not so simple anymore.”

Yulo returned from Paris on Wednesday, September 11, after throwing his support for the Philippine Paralympic delegation, as well as appearing in several engagements on behalf of sponsor Toyota.

He now lives in the ritzy apartment worth P32 million awarded to him by a local developer in McKinley Hill in Taguig, where the framed newspapers and his two Olympic gold medals remind him of success.

“(Being a double gold medalist) has sunk in already, but I still could not keep up with the love and attention I receive from the people,” said the usually reserved Yulo.

“I appreciate the dedication and love given to us. It’s very overwhelming, I’m still going up to speed.”

Another day, another reward

The 24-year-old gymnast became P10 million richer on Friday after being rewarded with another hefty amount, this time from business tycoon Enrique Razon of International Container Terminal Services, Inc. (ICTSI).

Bronze medalists Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas of boxing, meanwhile, were given P2 million each in an intimate ceremony at the Solaire Resorts and Casino in Parañaque.

The rest of Team Philippines received P200,000 each from Razon, who — according to Forbes — is one of the five richest Filipinos.

Other Filipino Olympians who attended the affair included boxers Eumir Marcial and Carlo Paalam, rower Joanie Delgaco, judoka Kiyomi Watanabe, and weightlifters Vanessa Sarno and John Ceniza.