Carlos Yulo calls world championships setback a lesson as AI judging raises the bar

Double Olympic gold medalist Carlos Yulo says he has no regrets after falling just short of the podium in both floor exercise and vault at the 2026 World Artistic Gymnastics Championships in Rotterdam, according to Edge Davao.

Yulo was unable to defend the floor exercise world title he won in 2025. He said he brought a more difficult floor routine to the competition to raise his scoring potential, and while the upgraded routine performed well in training, it did not go as planned in competition.

"I gave everything I had," Yulo said, adding that he learned a lot from the experience despite things not going his way.

The growing use of artificial intelligence in judging was among the most discussed issues at the championships. Yulo said he was initially sceptical of the technology but now sees it as a tool that pushes gymnasts toward more precise, textbook execution by flagging even the smallest technical details.

He said the effect was most noticeable in vault, where he placed seventh. Subtle movements between preparation and landing are now being scrutinised more closely, he explained, though he believes these can be corrected through focused training.

Yulo described the championships as a checkpoint on his way to the Los Angeles 2028 Olympic Games, as well as a chance to assess the international field and potential rivals for the next Olympic cycle.

He and his younger brother, Eldrew Yulo, are taking a short break before resuming training for the 2027 season, when several major competitions will have implications for Olympic qualification. Yulo said preparations for next season are already under way and thanked his partner, Chloe, for helping him stay organised and focused.

He also thanked Filipinos worldwide for their support and asked for continued prayers, saying he and his brother hope to qualify early for the Olympics.