It is common for countries to offer Olympic athletes heading to the Games monetary and material incentives – on top of the glory of being awarded the best in the world – to bring home a medal. And the athletes deserve it. They sacrifice four years of their life training for the Olympics and in many cases, work everyday jobs while doing so if they don’t have sponsorship deals to fund their training. 

But one athlete will be returning home from Paris without having to pay for another meal if he so feels. Filipino gymnast Carlos Edriel Yulo has won two gold medals at the 2024 Olympics, becoming the first male Olympic gold medalist in the history of the Philippines. That is not his only accomplishment for the country. The record breaking gymnast was also able to secure the Philippines second and third gold medal in the history of the Olympics. Literally, doubling the country’s gold medal tally in just one Games.  

The Philippines are rewarding its most decorated Olympic athlete with loads of incentives, like a fully furnished two-bedroom condo valued at 24 million Philippine pesos, a free house, millions of cash donations from local companies and free food, lots of free food. A lifetime of free ramen, buffets, meals and cookies from numerous local establishments is something Carlos can look forward to returning home to. And honestly, a lifetime of free ramen would be incentive enough to get us out of bed to train everyday. 

Congrats, Carlos. Go get your ramen. Well-deserved. 

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