Carlos Yulo emerged as Athlete of the Year by the Philippine Sportswriters Association (PSA) in a glittery event late Monday at the Centennial Hall of the Manila Hotel.

Yulo, a 24-year-old gymnast from the poor district of Leveriza in Manila, achieved glory after winning two Olympic gold medals in Paris last year.

He clinched his double gold medal in the men’s floor exercise and vault events of the Summer Olympics, a feat that has never been done by any Filipino athlete since the country joined the Olympics in 1924.

His historic achievement deserves a grand celebration and the PSA made sure to do that by honoring him right before his fellow athletes, coaches, sports officials and other distinguished personalities who made remarkable contributions that put the Philippines to the highest level in the year that passed.

For IAM Worldwide president and co-founder Allan Marvin Yu Eder, it was also a perfect time to announce that they have chosen the prized athlete to become the brand ambassador of their powdered drink product.

“Carlos became the top choice as the face of the popular Amazing Choco Barley powdered drink for bringing home two gold medals for the Philippines,” Eder said in a statement.

“He is also the first gymnast to be awarded as Athlete of the Year since 1997.”