Wrecking Gender Stereotypes: Carlos Yulo Wins Gold Medal in Olympics 2024
Another Filipino pride! Filipino gymnast Carlos Edriel Poquiz Yulo or ‘Carlos Yulo‘, won gold medals at the 2024 Paris Olympics about a week ago. He secured two medals, excelling in both Floor and Vault gymnastics.
Looking back to 2021, Filipino weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz also made history by winning a gold medal at the 2021 Olympics in Japan. The victories of these two Olympians play a significant role in challenging gender stereotypes in sports.
Carlos Yulo and Hidilyn Diaz Sharing the Essence of Being Olympians and Gold Medalists, Paving Their Way Through Passion
Being part of the Olympics is a great achievement, but winning not just one, but two medals is extraordinary. This is why Yulo‘s victory has made headlines in tabloids, broadsheets, and online news outlets celebrating his success.
Yulo has shown that gymnastics isn’t just for women—it’s for men too. Similarly, Diaz proved that weightlifting, often seen as a masculine sport, is for women as well, earning her hard-won medal.
Diaz’s 2021 victory alone empowered women, demonstrating that gender does not define one’s capabilities. Her perseverance and dedication built the strong physique that became her winning charm, leading to her Olympic success.
Diaz and Yulo Breaking Gender Stereotypes While Bringing Victories to the Country
Now, why is gender stereotyping harmful? And how did these two Olympians show us that gender isn’t a limitation?
The United Nations on Human Rights defines gender stereotyping as a generalized view about the attributes, characteristics, and roles that should be possessed or performed by only men and women. This not only limits individuals from developing their personal abilities but also restricts them from developing their capabilities, pursuing their desired professions, and making choices about their lives.
Yulo and Diaz showed the world that weightlifting isn’t just for men, and gymnastics isn’t just for women. The way society traditionally perceived these sports as either masculine or feminine highlights how deeply ingrained stereotypes were. However, their victories demonstrated that a person’s ability isn’t defined by gender, but by their spirit and hunger for success.
Both of them not only shattered gender stereotypes but also filled the country with pride and inspiration. They became symbols of determination, elevating the Philippines on the global stage. Moreover, they proved that with strength and perseverance, anything is possible—regardless of what society says about gender.
Congratulations to Carlos Yulo for bringing home the victory! Despite any challenges, your strength and determination are your greatest edge and highlights, and they deserve to be celebrated by all. You and Hidilyn Diaz are the epitome of these qualities, serving as inspirations to many that with the right mindset and discipline, great things can be achieved— no matter what society says!
