Carlos Yulo on the Habits Behind High Performance

At our senior officers’ seminar in Manila, Fleet Management welcomed two-time Olympic gold medallist Carlos Yulo to share what elite sport has taught him about health, discipline and resilience. His experience also revealed strong parallels between athletes and seafarers.

In a speech addressed to 125 seafarers in Manila, Carlos Yulo drew parallels between professional sport and shipping – demanding environments where preparation, teamwork and the ability to perform under pressure matter. For Carlos, sustained performance begins with enjoying the process.

“Most people see me as intense or focused,” he said. “I enjoy the moment, and I enjoy my preparation.”

This outlook shapes the years of training and perseverance that prepare for major tournaments such as the Olympics and Asia Games, it is not created in a single moment. It comes from daily routines, careful preparation and pride in doing the job well.

Building Success Through Daily Habits

Medals may capture the headlines, but success is built through years of preparation away from the spotlight.

Yulo spoke about the discipline and consistency required to prepare for major competitions. He encouraged attendees to see progress as the result of small daily habits rather than dramatic changes.

“Start with ten minutes per day,” he advised.

This approach is relevant to seafarers, who may face long hours, irregular sleep and extended periods away from family. Looking after physical, mental and social wellbeing helps people remain focused, support their teams and work safely. 

Taking a Holistic Approach to Wellbeing

The discussion also explored the role of physical health in sustaining performance.

Yulo highlighted the importance of exercise, nutrition, recovery and sleep. These habits support energy, concentration and decision-making, particularly when people must perform under pressure.

The message resonated with seafarers, whose roles often involve demanding schedules, operational responsibilities and long periods away from home.

Psychological wellbeing is equally important. Drawing on setbacks during his career, Yulo discussed the need to manage pressure, remain patient and learn from difficult experiences.

For athletes and seafarers alike, resilience does not mean avoiding challenges. It means responding with focus and continuing to improve.

Success is rarely achieved alone

Another key theme was the importance of support systems.

Yulo credited coaches, mentors, family members and teammates with helping him develop as an athlete. His experience served as a reminder that long-term success is rarely achieved alone.

The same is true onboard. Every seafarer has a role in supporting safe operations, reliable vessel performance and the wellbeing of colleagues.

For Fleet, the session reinforced our continued focus on caring for and developing our people, both onboard and ashore. Healthy and well-supported seafarers are better equipped to manage risk, operate vessels safely and care for customers’ assets as if they were our own.

As the conference concluded, Yulo’s story left attendees with a message that connects elite sport and professional seafaring: excellence is built through consistent habits, resilience and pride in one’s profession.