Carlos Yulo is the pride of the Philippines, having won two gold medals at the Paris Olympics 2024 for his Men’s Vault and Men’s Floor routine in gymnastics. How did he prepare his body for this monumental feat?
His diet is under the expert supervision of renowned nutritionist Jeaneth Aro. Aro previously guided weightlifter Hidilyn Diaz to gold in the 2020 Tokyo Games. She meticulously plans Yulo’s meals to enhance his performance.
The Role of Jeaneth Aro
Jeaneth Aro’s role extends beyond a simple dietitian; she is integral to Yulo’s training regimen. Her experience with elite athletes like Diaz has equipped her with the skills to tailor nutrition plans to the specific demands of each sport. Yulo’s diet is no exception, and he has adjusted meticulously to match his daily training intensity and competition schedules.
Tailoring the Diet
Aro customises Yulo’s meals based on his activities for the day. “The nutrition is the fine-tuning he needs for preparation,” Aro explains. “The fundamentals are provided by his gymnastics and conditioning coaches.”
This dynamic approach means that even small snacks and meals are carefully planned. For instance, on the day of his competition, Yulo’s diet included a balance of carbohydrates, proteins, and fats to ensure sustained energy levels.
The Importance of Carbohydrates
Aro emphasises that carbohydrates are crucial for elite athletes like Yulo. Despite the common misconception that carbs are detrimental, they are essential for maintaining energy levels during intense physical activity. “Tell me now that carbohydrates are not important for elite-level athletes,” Aro stated in a social media post, debunking myths about carbs.
Meal Planning for Success
Yulo’s meal before his gold-winning performance included eggs, hamburger patties, and a substantial serving of rice. This meal, consumed around 10:30 or 11 AM, was designed to maintain his energy levels for the late afternoon competition. The right balance of nutrients is vital to keep his energy stable and ensure peak performance.
Nutrition Strategy
Aro’s strategy involves continuous adjustments based on feedback from Yulo’s coaches. His diet is different during training phases compared to competition days. This adaptability ensures that Yulo’s nutritional needs are met precisely, optimising his physical capabilities.
Jeaneth Aro’s Proven Track Record
Aro’s success with other Olympians, such as Diaz and silver medalist boxers Nesthy Petecio and Carlo Paalam, showcases her expertise. Her approach is not one-size-fits-all but tailored to the specific needs and activities of each athlete.
Challenges and Solutions
Despite the challenges, Aro finds Yulo to be a disciplined client. “Caloy is very independent. I just provide guidance,” she says. Their collaboration demonstrates the importance of tailored nutrition in achieving athletic success.
Conclusion
Carlos Yulo’s impressive performance at the Paris Olympics is not just a result of rigorous training but also a meticulously planned diet. Under Jeaneth Aro’s guidance, Yulo’s nutrition is fine-tuned to support his high-intensity activities, debunking myths about carbohydrates and showcasing the importance of a balanced diet for elite athletes.
Aro’s approach highlights the critical role of nutrition in sports. Her success with various athletes underscores the need for customised dietary plans to enhance performance and achieve success at the highest levels of competition. Yulo’s journey in the Paris Olympics exemplifies the synergy between training and nutrition, paving the way for future athletes to follow.
By focusing on a balanced diet tailored to his needs, Yulo has set a new standard for nutritional discipline in gymnastics.
Photo credit: Jeaneth Aro/ Facebook
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