AN OLYMPIC gymnast has been rewarded with an array of bizarre prizes after winning a gold medal at Paris 2024.
Carlos Yulo of the Philippines has won two golds in the past two days in the men’s floor exercise and vault finals.
In doing so, he is just the second athlete from his nation to ever take home a gold at the Olympics.
His success has seen him rewarded handsomely, even though winning a gold medal would usually be more than enough.
For a start, he’s been given £135,400 by the Philippines government, who are looking to provide financial incentives to help inspire all athletes.
But private companies and universities have also queued up to reward Yulo.
A real estate firm have offered a three bedroom condo to Yulo free of charge, located in one of Manila’s most sought-after areas.
The most bizarre reward saw a gastroenterologist offer the gold medallist free colonoscopies for life.
The University of Mindanao have also offered the gymnast free credits towards his tuition.
He has also been offered a lifetime supply of ramen, mac and cheese and grilled chicken from various restaurant chains in the Philippines.
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Manila, where Yulo was born and raised has also promised a “hero’s welcome” for the star.
City mayor Honey Lacuna said: “The grandest welcome will greet him and all our Paris Olympians. When we meet him, we will present Carlos Yulo cash incentives, awards and symbols of the eternal gratitude of the proud capital city of the Philippines.”
Nearly 15,000 residents – around 10,500 of which are athletes – will be cramming into the Olympic village between July 26 and August 11.
To ensure the athletes feel at home, a number of provisions have been made by organisers.
One of these is the stocking of some 300,000 condoms, in theory enough for around two every day during the run of the Games.
A number of Olympic athletes have opened the door on their steamy lives behind-the-scenes when in camp, including huge sex orgies and parties.
London 2012 had claimed the title of “the raunchiest Games ever”, but the 150,000 condoms ordered paled in comparison to the 450,000 ordered for the Rio Games four years later.
Condoms have been laid on by organisers at every game since Seoul 1988, when it they were used to spread awareness of HIV and AIDS.
Even with an intimacy ban at Tokyo 2020 due to Covid-19, some 150,000 johnnies were handed out.
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The Philippines first competed in the Olympics at the Paris 1924 games.
They had to wait until Hidilyn Diaz won the country’s first ever gold at Tokyo three years ago.
And now Yulo has won another two in successive days at Paris 2024.
Speaking about his achievement, Yulo said: “I was just hoping to perform well. I didn’t really expect a medal.
“It really felt like a bonus for me. It’s crazy, because last night I couldn’t sleep. I was so hyped because I had won that gold medal [the day before].”
The Philippines aren’t the only nation rewarding their Olympic heroes in unusual ways.
