Carlos Yulo headlines PSA Awards Night as the Athlete of the Year

Double gold medalist Carlos Edriel Yulo led the list of the awardees in the annual Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) Awards Night as he received the highest honor of being the Athlete of the Year on Monday night, January 28, at the Manila Hotel.

Yulo won two gold medals in gymnastics at the 2024 Olympics held in Paris, France, to make him the best choice of the PSA to receive the award.

Caloy thanked the Lord and the people that supported him all the way. He also recognized the former Olympians whom he believed paved the way for him to get to where he is right now. They were also given special recognition in the awards night

“Unang una po sobrang nagpapasalamat po, super grateful. Nagpapasalamat po sa Panginoon sa mga nakuha pong possibilities, blessings po na binigay niya sakin. Lahat po kami dito winner. Di po ako naiiba sa kanila, di rin sila naiiba sakin,” said Yulo. 

“Saludo ako sa hard work and dedication na ibinibida sa pang araw-araw na training, para sa kanila 'tong lahat,” he added.

In the end, Yulo said to all the Filipinos, “Ang panalong ‘to, ay panalo nating lahat.”

Besides Carlos Edriel, the other athletes who were given recognitions were: Hidilyn Diaz-Naranjo (Hall of Fame), Nesthy Petecio and Aira Villegas (President’s Award), Abraham Tolentino (Executive of the Year), Gymnastics Association of the Philippines (NSA of the Year), June Mar Fajardo (Mr. Basketball – Pro), Kevin Quiambao (Mr. Basketball – Amateur), and Jia Morado-De Guzman (Ms. Volleyball).

Another set of Major Awards were given to the following: Rubilen Amit and Carlo Biado (billiards), Melvin Jerusalem and Pedro Taduran (boxing), Daniel Quizon (chess), Rianne Malixi (golf), Tachiana Mangin (taekwondo), John Alvin Guce (Jockey of the Year), Batang Manda (Horse of the Year), and former DILG secretary Benhur Abalos (Horse Owner of the Year).

The Olympians who received special recognition for Paris Olympics participation were: EJ Obiena, Lauren Hoffman, and John Cabang (athletics), Carlo Paalam, Eumir Marcial and Hergie Bacyadan (boxing), Samantha Catantan (fencing), Bianca Pagdanganan (golf), Aleah Finnegan, Emma Malabuyo, Levi Jung-Ruivivar (gymnastics), Kiyome Watanabe (judo), Joanie Delgaco (rowing), Kayla Sanchez and Jarod Hatch (swimming), Elreen Ann Ando, John Ceniza and Vanessa Saro (weightlifting).

It was also a night that the country’s Paris Paralympians were given some spotlight to get their well-deserved recognition.

The awardees of the Paris Paralympics were Agustina Bantiloc (para archery), Jerrold Mangliwan and  Cendy Asusna (para athletics), Ernie Gawilan and Angel Otom (para swimming), and Allain Ganapin (para taekwondo).

There was also an Special Award to the NCAA as the Cradle of Sporting Heroes.

Other citations were given to Isabella Joseline Butler (jiu-jitsu), Ruelle Canico (chess), Johann Chua (billiards), Angeline Colonioa (weightlifting), Kheith Rhynne Cruz (table tennis), Marc Dylan Custodio (bowling), Mark John Lexer Galedo (cycling), Lovely Inan (weightlifting), Albert James “AJ” Manas (billiards), Reggie Ramirez (powerlifting), Jessa Mae Tabuan (powerlifting), Karl Eldrew Yulo (gymnastics), Creamline Cool Smashers (volleyball), Dragon Boat National Team, Philippine Volcanoes (rugby), Philippine Baseball Team, Centennial 7 (sailing), and Ramon “Tats” Suzara (volleyball).

The next generation of athletes also received recognition. 

The Tony Siddayao awardees were Aleia Aielle Aguilar (jiu-jitsu), Alexander Gabriel Delos Reye (wushu), Sophia Shekaina Cantantan (fencing), Jamesray Mishael Ajido and Behrouz Mohammad Modjeh (swimming), Paul Sondrie Capinig and Mariam Grace Balisme (wrestling).

With all the awardees having their own moments to shine, the Yulo brothers also had their own when they finally shared the floor together and gave compliments to one another before the night ended.

 

Wacth the full speech here: https://web.facebook.com/scorelinedotph/videos/600382149615416