What's Your "Y"

Interview with Yusuf Ahmed, Linebacker at Davidson College

Give us a brief background of how your sport journey has evolved?

I have been training for football since I was in 6th grade, becoming more serious about lifting and performance training around 9th grade. This past offseason, I was recommended YOLKED by my trainer who swears by the product, and I have seen immense gains in strength and explosiveness.

Who has been your main source of motivation over the years?

My mother has been my main source of motivation. The sacrifices she has made for me to be able to play the sport I love, and her constant support are things I am incredibly blessed to have.

Without her, I’m not sure I end up at a Division 1 school.

Where do you find more motivation: doubters or supporters?

I can definitely say I find more motivation in my supporters. Instead of focusing on the negative people in my life who tell me I can't do things, I have found it much more rewarding and fulfilling to be a role model for those under me and prove my supporters right.

What is the biggest mental challenge you have had to face in your sport and how have you conquered that?

So far I would say the biggest mental challenge for me was bouncing back from a loss in the state semifinal game my junior year.

I poured my heart out that season only to come up a play short. I let that feeling sit inside me all offseason and let it empower me to work harder and be great.

What do you do to make sure you are physically and mentally prepared for competition?

For me to be physically and mentally prepared I make sure that I am not cutting any corners. If I cheat myself in anything, it messes with my head and doesn't let me feel as though I've done everything I could have.

If I know I've done everything I'm supposed to do, the only thing left to do is go out and compete.

Describe your recovery strategies. 

My recovery strategies have changed since COVID first hit. I was always bouncing back and forth on different products and never could find one that benefited me the most.

Then, I got out to spring training and my teammate told me about YOLKED. My body has never felt better, and my recovery is twice as fast.

YOLKED will forever be my go-to product.

Recovery is something I have put extra emphasis on in the past year and that has helped me realize its true importance.

After really focusing on my sleep, nutrition, and adding YOLKED into the mix this off-season, I have noticed a dramatic change in the way my body is able to handle physical strain.

What's Your "Y"? What keeps you going and training as hard as you do?

My "Y" is my parents.

My parents have always provided for me to live a good life and have helped me get where I am today. I continue to display my discipline and hard work in hopes one day I can buy them a house and take care of them.

Where do you see yourself as an athlete in 5 years?

In 5 years, I see myself being extremely successful, but whether that be on the field or working my dream job, only god knows.

Favorite motivational quote.

“Pain is temporary. It may last a minute, or an hour, or a day, or a year, but eventually it will subside and something else will take its place. If I quit, however, it lasts forever.”-Lance Armstrong