Yulo struggling with mental fatigue

Carlos Yulo admitted he is struggling with mental fatigue after a hectic schedule between the 20th Asian Games and the FIG Artistic Gymnastics World Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands.

The 26-year-old said the short turnaround between the two competitions left him with little time to recover, although he remained grateful for the opportunity to compete on the world stage.

Yulo qualified for the floor exercise final with 14.500 points and the vault final with 14.266.

“It's been a really short time between the Asian Games and coming here. There's not much time for me to recover, and I'm just really glad and grateful that I'm still here and could still compete,” Yulo said.

“Overall, I'm fine. I'm just mentally tired, and that's all.”

The two-time Olympic gold medalist also opened up about the difficult period he endured before the Asian Games, saying the experience ultimately helped him mature and grow stronger.

“Before the Asian Games, I went through a really tough time. It was a very stressful period in my life. Overcoming it has made me more mature and stronger in a sense,” Yulo said.

“That's why I want to try different things, especially with myself.”

Despite appearing relaxed, Yulo admitted he was still struggling to find his rhythm in his routines amid the demands of the competition.

“I don't know. Do I look relaxed? Maybe on the outside, but inside, I'm really having a hard time building my pace in my routine,” Yulo said.

Yulo faces a tough challenge in his bid for more world titles, with several established rivals also chasing gold.

Arsenii Dukhno of Russia is seeking his first senior world title in the floor exercise, while Artem Dolgopyat of Israel aims to reclaim the crown he won in 2023.

In the vault, Filipino-British gymnast Jake Jarman and Paris Olympics silver medalist Artur Davtyan of Armenia are among those standing in Yulo’s way as he pursues a second consecutive world title.

With his recovery and well-being taking priority, Yulo said he hopes to complete his routines safely and avoid getting injured.

“I'm just hoping I can do it safely and, hopefully, avoid injury. That's the most important thing for me right now,” Yulo said.