As Olympic champion Carlos Yulo returned home and was showered with praises and rewards, there's no doubt the gymnast is the new toast of Philippine sports.

Yulo was genuinely grateful.

“Hindi na po nasayang ang pagpupuyat nila para mapanood kami at ipagdasal, maraming salamat, panalo natin ‘to, panalo nating lahat,” said Yulo moments after the arrival of the Philippine delegation at Villamor Air Base Tuesday night, Aug. 13.

“Grabe beyond blessed and grateful na marami pong sumusuporta saming mga atletang Pilipino,” he added.

“Grabe maraming salamat po sa Panginoon, sobrang grateful po talaga, sobrang blessed.”

Grade 4 students of Villamor Air Base Elementary School and the marching band of the Philippine Air Force greeted them at the red carpet, playing “Gold” by Spandau Ballet – a fitting song for gallant athletes that poured out everything in the grandest sporting stage.

Yulo is gunning for another appearance in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, but for now his rest will be a priority.

“Of course, meron pa po akong isa pa pong Olympics sa 2028, paghahandaan ko po yun nang mabuti at magpa-practice pa po ako nang maigi,” Yulo continued.