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| The Philippine team takes a picture with the kids who helped in welcoming them home from Paris. PSC |
PASAY—The champs are here!
Most of the Philippine team members who stayed for the Paris Olympics closing ceremonies led by medalists Carlos Yulo, Aira Villegas, and Nesthy Petecio safely returned home and were given a heroes' welcome at the Villamor Air Base here on Tuesday night.
Aboard a chartered Philippine Airlines flight from Dubai to complete a connecting route from Paris, the national team landed at the runway of the old Nichols Air Field now shared between Villamor and the Ninoy Aquino International Airport at around 7:10 p.m.
The plane made its final stop at the Maharlika hangar of Villamor, where the delegation was welcomed by the Philippine Air Force Drum and Bugle, students from the nearby Villamor Air Base Elementary School, and the athletes and officials' loved ones.
The star of the night, though, was Yulo, who was mobbed by his friends upon stepping down the plane along with Petecio.
The now gymnastics superstar made history during the Paris Olympics as he became the sport's first Filipino Olympic medalist and the first Filipino athlete to win multiple gold medals in the Olympics.
"Panalo nating lahat ito," Yulo said upon arrival.
After taking a few refreshments inside the Maharlika Hall, the Nationals quickly departed for Malacanang, where no less than President Bongbong Marcos will welcome to a dinner event.
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