Double gold medallist's feud with mum eclipses historic win

Carlos Yulo, a talented gymnast from the Philippines, has recently made headlines for winning two gold medals at the Paris Olympics. This remarkable achievement makes him only the second Filipino to ever win an Olympic gold medal, a feat that should be celebrated across the nation. However, instead of basking in the glory of his success, Carlos is embroiled in a public feud with his mother, Angelica Poquiz-Yulo. This family dispute has overshadowed his historic wins, drawing significant media attention and public scrutiny. The root of the disagreement lies in how Angelica has managed Carlos's finances and her disapproval of his girlfriend, who is a well-known content creator on TikTok. The media coverage of this family drama has been intense, with interviews, social media posts, and even a hastily arranged press conference, prompting many to call for a more responsible approach to reporting. Carlos Yulo is already a local celebrity, and his recent accomplishments have only heightened his profile, stirring a sense of national pride among Filipinos. In recognition of his achievements, the Philippine government has promised him a substantial reward, while corporate sponsors have offered him luxurious gifts, including a stylish condominium and a lifetime supply of free meals featuring inasal, a popular local dish. The capital city, Manila, is also gearing up for a grand celebration to welcome him back home. However, shortly after his second gold medal win, reports emerged about an interview his mother gave to a local radio station. In this interview, Ms. Yulo defended her management of Carlos's finances, stating that she had deposited his money in a bank in Manila and had received funds on his behalf. Just two days later, Carlos took to TikTok to express his concerns, asking his mother where his past prize money had gone, as he claimed he had 'never received' it. He also addressed his girlfriend's character, asserting that she is not a 'red flag' and that his mother had unfairly judged her based on her appearance and upbringing in Australia. In a heartfelt message, Carlos said, 'My message to you, Ma, is I hope you heal and move on. I have forgiven you a long time ago. I pray that you are always safe and sound. ' Following this, Ms. Yulo called for a press conference to respond to her son's TikTok video, offering her hand in reconciliation. She apologized for her comments during the radio interview, explaining that the rapid-fire questions from the media had clouded her judgment. Ms. Yulo stated that she was providing her 'final word' on the matter and emphasized that she was not after Carlos's money. She expressed concern over the public nature of their disagreement, saying, 'This has reached an alarming level because now, the entire country is waiting for what each of us will say next, when this matter should have been kept private. ' She acknowledged the imperfections in their family dynamics, stating, 'I am not a perfect mother and God knows that you are not a perfect son. There is no perfect family. ' Since that press conference, neither Carlos nor his mother has publicly addressed the issue again. On social media, fans have urged for a shift in focus back to Carlos's remarkable achievements rather than his personal life. In the Philippines, there is a strong culture of gossip, especially regarding public figures and their relationships. The term 'Marites' has even become a slang term for someone who loves to gossip, reflecting the nation's fascination with celebrity news. During the pandemic, former President Rodrigo Duterte humorously remarked that the lockdown had turned the country into the 'Republic of Marites. ' However, many believe that the media's focus on Carlos's family issues is excessive. Danilo Arao, a prominent journalism professor, stated, 'Let us not dilute the outstanding achievements in the 2024 Paris Olympics by reporting on trivial matters that do not carry news values and do not shape public opinion. ' He argued that the coverage should instead highlight the challenges faced by Filipino athletes due to a lack of government support. The Yulo family feud has also sparked discussions on social media about the cultural expectations placed on children in the Philippines to always obey their parents, even when it may not be in their best interest. For now, social media users have returned to sharing humorous memes about Carlos, showcasing their support for the new sports star. One disinfectant brand even likened Yulo's charm to its germ-killing effectiveness, humorously stating it is '99. 99% effective. ' In a recent statement, Ms. Yulo acknowledged that hurtful words have been exchanged but emphasized that they remain a family. She said, 'Our home is open, whether or not you have money, the door is open in case you want to come back.