Carlos Yulo, the Filipino gymnast who bagged 2 golds in Paris, was given a hearty welcome in his home country. Not just a slew of material rewards, but the Paris returnees were honored with a Hereos’ Parade by the Philippines on August 14. For the stretch between Aliw Theater in Pasay City and the Rizal Memorial Stadium, the Olympians were aboard an open-roof vehicle. Decorated with national flags and the Olympic rings in the front, crowds flocked in huge numbers to get a glimpse of their favorites.

But, amidst the jubilant spectators, Yulo spotted a very special hype person. Mark Andrew Yulo, the gymnast’s father, was part of the ecstatic crowd and was lifted by a friend on his shoulders. He also brought a personalized banner that read, “Caloy, dito Papa mo!” which translates to ‘Caloy, your dad is here.’ The moment he spots his father, Yulo reciprocates with a salute gesture directed towards him. After which, he continues waving at the fans with both his hands.

via Reuters

Yulo appeared in the spotlight as his Paris Olympics performance had been a breakthrough in many ways. He prides himself on being the first Filipino man to win an Olympic gold. Until recently, it was only Hidlyn Diaz, the Filipino athlete, who bagged an Olympic gold in weightlifting, at the Tokyo Games. Also, Yulo is the first gymnast from his country to secure the highest-ranked Olympic hardware. Thus, with a shower of confetti, the athlete was welcomed by the countrymen, evident that he had won their hearts.

As per Inquirer, Mark had previously reacted to Yulo’s Paris feats too. He had said, “We didn’t expect him to win two gold medals. Any prize would’ve been a bonus but it was still given to him. He’s really good. He’s really blessed right now.” He also added how Yulo’s achievement comes in four years after the Tokyo Olympics, where he had failed to make a mark. But now, he finally won gold, which made Mark extremely happy as a father. However, the gymnast’s dynamic with his mother has been a bittersweet one.

Carlos Yulo’s  personal life struggles

Carlos Yulo has been open about his strained equation with his mother, Angelica Yulo. Apparently, the problems between the two exist on multiple levels. The start of it dates back to 2016, when Yulo decided to leave Tokyo and stay close to his girlfriend Chloe in Manila, Philippines. Even though this came at the cost of a letting go a scholarship provided by the Japanese Olympic Association. This was when Angelic apparently severed her ties with the gymnast.

But, it was the financial feud that made things worse. He claimed that Angelic had been draining money from his account, behind his back, via a TikTok video that featured both Yulo and his girlfriend. Angelica, who was in control of his account, was withdrawing his monthly gymnastics allowances and his incentives. This was something he realized when she concealed the credit of his 2022 World Championships incentives. He says, “The 70,000 pesos incentives she mentioned from the World Championships in 2021, first of all, it was actually in 2022.” Moreover, he was sure it was a six-digit amount as he won two medals. But Angelica assured that she was only saving the funds for her son’s future. And that he had received all his incentives.

via Reuters

However, there is also a third factor. Per Yulo, Angelica did not like Chloe. She had openly claimed how Chloe was the main reason for the misunderstandings she had with Yulo. Chloe who is from Australia embodies a distinct culture. To which Yulo mentioned, “She [Angelica] judged Chloe right away because of how she dressed and acted. Chloe and I grew up in different environments…Our relationship worsened when I started setting boundaries.”

But, right after the Paris Olympics, Yulo voiced a message for his mother. He said, “My message to you, Ma, is to heal and move on. I forgave you a long time ago….” He even requested her , Angelica had to put an end to the bickering and celebrate every Filipino athlete at the Olympics with great spirit. On August 8, Angelica publically said, “I ask for your forgiveness as a concerned mother. You are mature enough to make your own decisions…” She also added that their doors are always open for him, and that both she and Mark were ready to talk whenever Carlos Yulo comes homes.