CARLOS Yulo heads into another medal opportunity later today at the Rainbow Hall Gymnasium in Nagoya, carrying with him a mindset that has helped him navigate the pressure of competing at the highest level.
The two-time Olympic gold medalist is set to see action in the men’s floor exercise final, one of his strongest events, where he will look to turn his preparation into another major international medal
But as expectations continue to surround the Filipino gymnastics star, Yulo stressed that even the best athletes are bound to make mistakes.
“In my opinion po and my perspective din, bilang atleta, walang perfectong atleta po eh. Wala talaga eh,” said Yulo.
Yulo said the key is not chasing perfection, but controlling the factors that are within his reach.
“Ang kailangan kontrolado ko lang po talaga is iyung preparation ko, iyung emotion ko, and kung paano ko siya i-execute,” he said.
The Filipino star acknowledged that he understands the expectations placed on him, but said his own feelings and strategy remain his priority heading into the final.
“Naiintindihan ko po iyung gusto nilang sabihin sa akin, but at the same time, mas lamang din kung ano iyung nararamdaman ko. Mas priority ko kung ano iyung feelings ko, and iyung strategy na meron po ako bilang atleta,” Yulo pointed out.
Yulo also draws motivation from Filipinos who continue to face their own challenges, saying his performance is not only about himself.
“Hindi lang naman po ito para sa akin din. It’s for the Philippines talaga, and for Team Philippines,” he said.
He hopes to give back to the country through his performance and represent Filipinos who continue to work and persevere, including overseas Filipino workers.
“So, ako, I really wanna give it back po sa kanila, sa lahat po ng may mga pinagdadaanan din,” said Yulo.
Now, all eyes turn to the Rainbow Hall Gymnasium later today as Yulo takes on the floor exercise final, chasing another podium finish for Team Philippines in the 2026 Asian Games. (Jesus Nathaniel Valdez)
