Melvin Ryan  Fetalvero

Carlos Yulo is crowned, and more of the top sports stories of 2024

Article (news)

Camille Naredo

ABS-CBN News

<p>MANILA -- One figure dominated the conversation around Philippine sports in 2024 -- gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo.</p><p>The diminutive gymnast -- Yulo stands at 4-foot-11 -- was larger than life when he competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics in August. There, the 24-year-old rewrote the record books by winning not one, but two gold medals for the Philippines.</p><p>He conquered the vault and the floor exercise, standing at the top of the podium at the conclusion of each apparatus. It was an emotional, and richly-deserved, triumph for Yulo, who had endured a poor campaign three years ago in the Tokyo Olympics but clawed his way to reach new heights in the City of Light.</p><p>Capped by Yulo&#x27;s historic feats in Paris, here are the top sports stories of 2024:</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Carlos Yulo, crowned as king</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1735127387717AFP__20240804__36AB36T__v1__Preview__GymnasticsArtisticOlyParis2024Medals.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Philippines&#x27; Carlos Edriel Yulo poses with his gold medal during the podium ceremony for the artistic gymnastics men&#x27;s vault event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris, on August 4, 2024. Lionel Bonaventure, AFP/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Philippines&#x27; Carlos Edriel Yulo poses with his gold medal during the podium ceremony for the artistic gymnastics men&#x27;s vault event of the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at the Bercy Arena in Paris, on August 4, 2024. <em>Lionel Bonaventure, AFP/File</em></span></span></span></strong>In this in-depth profile, ABS-CBN News traces <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/specials/carlos-yulo-tumbling-into-history">the making of Carlos Yulo, from his humble roots in Leveriza to his astonishing nights of triumph in the French capital</a>. And even as the country basks in his triumph, the question lingers -- how do we build on this unprecedented success?</div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Female boxers continue to raise the flag high</strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173512745887620240819-senate-olympics-athletes-ADS_0315-MD.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Aira Villegas, receives her award and cash incentive from the Senate during the plenary session in Pasay City on August 19, 2024. Mark Demayo, Senate Pool/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Bronze medalist at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, Aira Villegas, receives her award and cash incentive from the Senate during the plenary session in Pasay City on August 19, 2024. <em>Mark Demayo, Senate Pool/File</em></span></span></span>Yulo was the greatest performer for the Philippines in the 2024 Olympic Games, but not to be forgotten are the female boxers who also delivered medals in Paris. <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/8/3/paris-2024-villegas-assured-of-medal-with-hard-earned-win-over-frances-lkhadiri-301">Aira Villegas was sensational in her Olympic debut</a>, making it to the semifinal of the women&#x27;s 50kg division to clinch a bronze medal. To get there, she had to overcome a hometown bet in Wassila Lkhadiri, and she did so in thrilling fashion by winning via split decision. </div><p>Meanwhile, the <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/8/4/petecio-clobbers-chinese-foe-to-clinch-another-medal-for-ph-2124">veteran Nesthy Petecio continued to show her quality</a>. Three years after winning silver in Tokyo, Petecio took home a bronze this time after making it to the semis of the women&#x27;s 57kg weight class. Petecio is now the only boxer in Philippine history with multiple Olympic medals. </p><div><br/></div><div><strong>EJ Obiena, so close yet so far</strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1735127587593AFP__20240803__369E9AH__v1__Preview__AthleticsOlyParis2024.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Philippines&#x27; Ernest John Obiena reacts as he competes in the men&#x27;s pole vault qualification of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 3, 2024. Kirill Kudryavtsev, AFP/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Philippines&#x27; Ernest John Obiena reacts as he competes in the men&#x27;s pole vault qualification of the athletics event at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games at Stade de France in Saint-Denis, north of Paris, on August 3, 2024. <em>Kirill Kudryavtsev, AFP/File</em></span></span></span>Paris was the stage not just of triumph, but also of heartbreak. Filipino pole vaulter EJ Obiena <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/8/5/heartbreak-for-obiena-as-he-misses-pole-vault-podium-052">finished a heartbreaking fourth</a> in his event, missing the podium after faulting three times at the 5.95-meter mark. An emotional Obiena apologized afterward for failing to reach his goal, but <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/8/6/ej-obiena-turns-emotional-after-missing-paris-2024-podium-1307">vowed to make a stronger comeback in the coming years</a>.</div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Gilas Pilipinas wins games -- and hearts</strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173512764285720241124-gilas-hk-asia-cup-MD-47.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Gilas Pilipinas battles Hong Kong in the  FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Pasay City on November 24, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Gilas Pilipinas battles Hong Kong in the  FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers in Pasay City on November 24, 2024. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span></div><p><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2024/11/25/gilas-pilipinas-always-had-heart-but-it-now-has-the-height-and-might-to-back-it-up-1405">The Philippine men&#x27;s national basketball team continues to soar</a> under the watchful eye of head coach Tim Cone. After a difficult stint in last year&#x27;s FIBA World Cup, Gilas Pilipinas is clearly on the right track. A tremendous 2024 was capped by a statement win against world No. 22 New Zealand in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers -- a first for the team.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>More trouble for John Amores</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173512780933520230917-pba-draft-season-48-MD1954.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Northport selects John Amores during the 2023 PBA Draft in Taguig City on September 17, 2023. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Northport selects John Amores during the 2023 PBA Draft in Taguig City on September 17, 2023. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span></strong>Already infamous for his punching spree during his collegiate days, <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/news/2024/9/25/pba-player-john-amores-brother-surrender-face-attempted-murder-raps-over-shooting-incident-614">John Amores again made headlines for the wrong reasons in 2024</a>. He was caught on CCTV firing a gun on another man in September; he eventually surrendered to the police before getting freed on bail. <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/10/11/pba-suspends-john-amores-for-one-conference-1845">Amores has since been suspended by the PBA</a> -- albeit for just one conference. The Games and Amusements Board has since confirmed that <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2024/12/22/gab-revokes-john-amores-license-report-1508">they have revoked Amores&#x27; license</a>, putting his future as a professional basketball player in limbo.</div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Redemption for National University, University of the Philippines</strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173512806041520241215-uaap87-up-dlsu-2MD_3758-MD.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="The University of the Philippines and the De La Salle University battle in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 men&#x27;s basketball finals in Quezon City on December 15, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The University of the Philippines and the De La Salle University battle in Game 3 of the UAAP Season 87 men&#x27;s basketball finals in Quezon City on December 15, 2024. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News</em></span></span></span>Redemption was the theme of the UAAP Season 87 basketball tournaments. After back-to-back seasons of second-place finishes, the <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2024/12/15/redemption-up-reigns-over-la-salle-for-uaap-championship-glory-2005">University of the Philippines got the job done once more</a>, outlasting De La Salle University in three games for their second title in four seasons. Meanwhile, <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2024/12/15/uaap-nu-completes-redemption-triumphs-over-ust-to-reclaim-women-s-crown-1517">National University regained the throne in the women&#x27;s division</a>, holding off rival University of Santo Tomas in their own three-game series that also served as a showcase of how far women&#x27;s hoops has come in the country.</div><p>It was not all bad in Taft: <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2024/12/17/never-did-he-fail-kevin-quiambao-was-la-salles-gift-that-kept-on-giving-1550">Kevin Quiambao joined an elite group of two-time MVPs</a>, before bidding goodbye to the Green Archers in search of his NBA dream.</p><p>Meanwhile, in the NCAA, <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/basketball/2024/12/7/mapua-completes-sweep-of-st-benilde-to-clinch-season-100-championship-1652">Mapua ended a 33-year wait for another crown</a> after sweeping College of St. Benilde in the finals.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Alas Pilipinas grabs the baton for PH volleyball</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173512817437520240529-avc-cup-winners-MD-25.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="Alas Pilipinas receives bronze in the AVC Challenge Cup for women in Manila on May 29, 2024. Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Alas Pilipinas receives bronze in the AVC Challenge Cup for women in Manila on May 29, 2024. <em>Mark Demayo, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span></strong>The national volleyball teams experienced their own renaissance in 2024. Foremost at the movement was the <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/5/29/alas-pilipinas-conquers-australia-to-cop-bronze-in-avc-challenge-cup-1624">Alas Pilipinas women&#x27;s volleyball squad</a>, whose rise was highlighted by a bronze medal in the AVC Challenge Cup in May. Meanwhile, <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/volleyball/2024/12/21/spikers-turf-vows-full-support-of-phs-bid-in-fivb-worlds-next-year-1407">the men&#x27;s team is tipped for a busy 2025</a>, as they will represent the country in the FIVB Men&#x27;s Volleyball World Championship that the Philippines will host in September.</div><div><br/></div><div><strong>Creamline&#x27;s long-awaited goal is achieved </strong></div><div><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1735128321617PVL INV 2024 Creamline vs. Cignal --1722.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="The Creamline Cool Smashers celebrate after completing a Grand Slam in the 2024 season of the Premier Volleyball League on September 12, 2024, Araneta Coliseum. PVL Images/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The Creamline Cool Smashers celebrate after completing a Grand Slam in the 2024 season of the Premier Volleyball League on September 12, 2024, Araneta Coliseum. <em>PVL Images/File</em></span></span></span></div><p>After a handful of near-misses, the <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/9/12/creamline-makes-history-clinches-first-ever-pvl-grand-slam-1622">Creamline Cool Smashers finally got their long-awaited Grand Slam</a> in the 2024 season of the Premier Volleyball League. A heart-stopping five-set win against Cignal HD in the finals of the Invitational Conference was the cherry on top of the sundae for the Cool Smashers, who added a 10th trophy to their already overflowing cabinet.</p><p>Meanwhile, in collegiate volleyball, <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/5/14/nu-star-bella-belen-is-uaap-season-86-women-s-volleyball-mvp-1753">National University regained the UAAP crown in smashing fashion</a>, holding off the University of Santo Tomas in the Season 86 Finals earlier this year behind a sensational campaign from two-time Most Valuable Player Bella Belen.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>A breakthrough for Meralco</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1735128567094PBA Images6.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="The Meralco Bolts celebrate after winning the 2024 PBA All-Filipino Conference Championship against San Miguel Beer, June 16, 2024 at the Araneta Coliseum. PBA Images/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">The Meralco Bolts celebrate after winning the 2024 PBA All-Filipino Conference Championship against San Miguel Beer, June 16, 2024 at the Araneta Coliseum. <em>PBA Images/File</em></span></span></span></strong></div><p>Meralco endured plenty of heartbreak before finally <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/6/16/meralco-makes-history-clinches-first-franchise-championship-at-smbs-expense-2028">earning a breakthrough PBA title in June</a>. To do it, they stunned powerhouse San Miguel Beer in six games in the Finals of the All-Filipino Conference. <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/6/16/championship-finals-mvp-a-fulfillment-of-newsomes-promise-to-meralco-2358">Chris Newsome cemented his place as the franchise&#x27;s cornerstone</a> by hitting the go-ahead jumper in Game 6, in the process exorcising ghosts of Finals past.</p><p><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/2/14/san-miguel-rallies-past-magnolia-to-clinch-commissioner-s-cup-crown-2212">San Miguel did not go home empty-handed</a>: in February, they won the Commissioner&#x27;s Cup after beating Magnolia in six games. However, the series was <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/2/4/watch-calvin-abueva-figures-in-shouting-match-with-mo-tautuaa-s-wife-2205">slightly overshadowed by Calvin Abueva&#x27;s shouting match</a> with the wife of SMB center Mo Tautuaa after Game 2.</p><div><br/></div><div><strong>Not all gold for Carlos Yulo</strong></div><div><strong><span class="fr-img-caption fr-fic fr-dib" style="width:960px"><span class="fr-img-wrap"><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/173512866823620240807-angelica-yulo-presscon-JC2319.jpg" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" alt="gelica Poquiz Yulo, mother of Paris Olympics gold medalist Carlos Yulo, answers questions during a press briefing at  the Heros Hotel in Manila on August 7, 2024. Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File"/><span class="fr-inner" style="text-align:left">Angelica Poquiz Yulo, mother of Paris Olympics gold medalist Carlos Yulo, answers questions during a press briefing at  the Heros Hotel in Manila on August 7, 2024. <em>Jonathan Cellona, ABS-CBN News/File</em></span></span></span></strong><a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/8/6/carlos-yulo-urges-mom-to-move-past-issues-napatawad-ko-na-kayo-a-long-time-ago-1708">It was not all glitter and gold for Carlos Yulo in 2024</a>. In the aftermath of his triumphs in Paris, netizens dug up his issues with his family, <a class="fr-green fr-strong" href="https://www.abs-cbn.com/sports/2024/8/7/carlos-yulo-s-mother-apologizes-hopes-to-put-an-end-to-public-feud-1625">which threatened to overshadow his golden achievements</a>. The gymnast eventually released a statement -- via TikTok -- wherein he urged his mother to move past their issues. He also saluted his father during the homecoming parade for Olympians in Manila.</div>

<p>One figure dominated the conversation around Philippine sports in 2024 -- gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo.</p>

One figure dominated the conversation around Philippine sports in 2024 -- gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo.