VIDEO EXCLUSIVE: U.S. Gymnast Yul Moldaur, A Top Medalist Prospect For Team USA At Summer Olympics, Reflects On Hopes For Paris

U.S. gymnast Yul Moldaur, considered one of the top medalist prospects for Team USA in Paris, reflected on his aspirations for the rapidly approaching 2024 Summer Olympics in his new uInterview. 

Moldaur revealed what his experience as a competitive gymnast has been like. “It’s been a ride of a roller coaster,” he said. “Starting back in 2017, first world championships, then, you know, 2021 was the Tokyo Olympic Games, we went to that, it was the COVID one, and then after that, it’s been world championships until this year, and I think we’re all really excited that it’s finally here.”

He continued, “Actually, in 2022, I was an alternate on the world team, which really motivated me to get better, get back into the gym and prove that I’m still part of the team picture. And then in 2023, we actually came back with a medal which we haven’t gotten in nine years.”

“Mentally, I tell myself to take one day at a time. I know there are going to be days where I hurt, I’m in pain, I’m not as good,” Moldaur explained. “I also know there are days where I’m going to feel great and like this is moving in a great direction – but I think that understanding that, and understanding that there are trials, there are good parts, there are bad parts, that’s all part of it mentally.”

His preparation for the Olympics has been beyond intense. “Physically, I work out every single day besides Sunday,” he said. “But on Sunday, I actually go get a massage and do red light therapy. But I do three workouts a day, so seven and nine in the gym, in the actual gymnastic gym, and then I take a little break and then I go back at one to five, and then after that, I go straight to the fitness gym and that’s either cardio work, weight work or sauna. So it’s a full-time job, but I love it. I enjoy the hard work.”

As to what he wants to achieve at the games, Moldaur said, “I think I’ve gotten every single award I’ve ever wanted to, from Athlete of the Year to a world medal, and I think the one thing I’m missing now is an Olympic medal, so once I get that I can say I did it all, but, you know I have to be grateful and respect the career I’ve had to this day.”

He added, “I think that’s mentally a good thing to do, to take a step back and appreciate the achievements you’ve won, but also to stay motivated and stay hungry.”