Every Olympic champion wins a medal. This one also gets free colonoscopies.
PARIS—Carlos Yulo won two Olympic gold medals for the Philippines. As it turned out, that was just the beginning of the gymnast’s epic prize haul. At home, he will get a congressional medal and at least $350,000 from the government.
Plus, a free set of headlights and fog lights. Also, free wedding photography, haircuts and furniture. And more food than he could eat in an entire lifetime.
One local real-estate developer awarded him a fully furnished, three-bedroom apartment in Manila. Not to be outdone, another real-estate company offered him a house. “I am happy that I won a gold medal," Yulo said, “and also a house." Governments around the world, sponsors and private entrepreneurs often compensate athletes with cash, property and the most unusual prizes they can imagine.
After the last Summer Games in Tokyo, for example, one Indonesian gold medalist was offered five cows. But there may not be anyone leaving Paris with more swag than this Filipino gymnast. Since he won his two gold medals—the Philippines had until then only one gold in its entire Olympics history—companies have raced to offer Yulo a free lifetime supply of everything he could possibly eat and drink, from coffee, ramen and strawberry float ice cream to grilled chicken and mac-and-cheese.
As if he didn’t already have enough food, Yulo was also offered free access to a chain called Vikings Luxury Buffet. And then Lafus, a food-delivery service, posted a photo showing Yulo spearing his arms, a position evoking the moment he clinched his floor routine to win gold in Paris. Photoshopped in his arms were two corn dogs.
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