Written by Trackandmemes, March 8, 2023
It is in the United States that many people think of living a better life. We sometimes think that we will be more successful in our studies, in our work... Living in this American country would open certain doors to ensure our professional future, or sometimes even live a new or simply different life. And in the world of sports, this American dream remains present. In this interview, the Belgian sprinter Yanla reveals the backstage of her current life in the United States.
Who are you, Yanla ?
My name is Yanla Ndjip-Nyemeck and I am 20 years old. I started at RCB (Royal Club Brussels) when I was about 5 years old. But I recently changed my club to RESC (Royal Excelsior Sports Club). It was time for me to change, especially in terms of opportunities. I am also affiliated with Lille, France.
As far as my background is concerned, I have lived in Belgium for most of my life. Then, I went to France at the age of 12 when my mother moved there. At that time, I had stopped athletics because of an injury. It was tendonitis. I started again slowly with time. Then I started to perform, which led me to take the sport more seriously. About my studies, I was doing sport-studyin Lille. This course was one of the best moments of my life, even if it was hard to combine. Then I went to the United States to do my last year, in Long Beach. Then I went to college.
Why did you choose to leave Belgium/France to study and train in the United States?
I made this choice to better combine my sport and my studies. I would like to become a doctor. I felt that the United States was the best place for me because of the professional direction I want to take. It's always good to have studied abroad. It helps me to become bilingual and then here, they value sports. About the accommodations, they do everything to make sure you can succeed in all your areas.
What procedures did you have to follow in order to be accepted in your team?
It was because I was already in the United States for my last year that I was able to get recruited like the Americans. So it was actually quite easy.
And in your team, do you feel well integrated?
Now I just transferred. I transferred because I was in a smaller college. By going to a big college, I was going to have more competitions, be pulled more in practices... This new environment is much more professional.
In my previous team, I was with a Frenchman. In fact, he was in Lille with me, so I already knew him. And that helped me a lot with my integration. Where I am now I feel good. And now I'm more at ease with the English language. I also really like the atmosphere of UCLA, my university!
What is special about your school system?
We have four years of bachelor's degree. And these four years of bachelor, we can choose to do them in any field. I mean, as long as you take certain classes that allow you to go to medical school, if that's the field you want to specialize in! Even if it's a bachelor's degree in art, for example. After four years of art, you can get into medical school. Right now, I'm in the middle of my bachelor's degree. I have 1.5 years left.
Prejudices or truths?
After taking a poll on the Magazine's Instagram account, some are wondering if we really come back stronger from a trip to America. What do you think?
It depends on the athlete and their environment. There are many people who go to States, But when it comes to their mind and motivation, it doesn't follow. If you get carried away at parties, it will certainly make you perform less well. It all depends on the people around you. I'm lucky enough to have family here, to have my brother around and my cousin who was also a top athlete. They push me to stay on the right path, the one I had convinced myself to follow initially. For the performance to follow, it also depends on the goal the athlete is setting out to achieve. If it's to experience life in the United States or if it's to really perform.
And what would you say to those who say that the weight training sessions given by American coaches cause many injuries?
It's true that in our European culture, there is less weight training. So when you arrive in America, there is this shock... I was very tired at the beginning, more than when I had a running session that could last 2 hours. Weight training is good for some people and bad for others. But you have to find a good balance and communicate with your coach.
"In America, if you don't perform, they throw you out. What do you think about this?
In the big universities, if you haven't proven yourself they will easily let you down. But again, it depends on the relationship you have with the coach. But it's true, here business comes into play.
An anecdote?
They like to run here too much. I do 600m and 500m sessions or I do 60m hurdles. But I've never been in better shape!
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