By Sophia Doan and Sadie York
Ever since freshman year, Youyi Ding has graced Westmont High School with his Varsity level sprinting abilities and genius mind. As the glue that holds the sprinting team together, Youyi’s leadership and advice towards his younger teammates and his fast-as-lightning races have been an inspiration for many. Not only incredible on the track, Youyi has also gone above and beyond in advanced classes, and founded the Video Game Analysis Club. Recently committing to Carnegie Mellon University to run track, Youyi exemplifies serves as an example of what you can accomplish when you work hard and follow your dreams.
Read further to hear some inside knowledge and advice from the legend himself.
How did you start your track and field journey?
I got chased by bees, and I got away, and I was like, “Wow I’m fast!” so I decided to join the track team in 6th grade. Covid unfortunately ended my middle school career. I came back to it in high school because I wanted to do something.
What motivated you to pursue track at a college level?
I think Track is really fun, and the opportunities and travel it involves were really appealing.
Why did you choose to commit to Carnegie Mellon specifically? What stands out to you about the program and the school?
They have really good academics and the coach went to the Olympics, making the team and program really good.
What was the recruiting process like?
You run fast times, email the coach, then you send them your videos of running, then you send them your grades and SAT scores, and then you call them. Then you have to get into the school to be able to run in the program.
How did you feel when you first got the offer from Carnegie Mellon?
I was excited and I watched TV for a long time. Then senioritis hit.
How has your coach or team played a role in your development as an athlete?
It helped me develop my leadership. My teammates, such as Sophia and Sadie have always actively encouraged me. Jason, our track coach, helped me improve my form and technique, and helped my build my confidence on the track.
How do you plan to balance track and academics at Carnegie Mellon?
Carnegie Mellon helps me balance my schedule with dead periods for athletics. Academics first, and then athletics but you do have time for both.
What are your current post college plans?
Start up a company and make money.
What are you majoring in?
Statistics and Machine Learning with a minor in Computer Science.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to compete at a college level?
Get fast, or good at your sport, and then look at different college levels. Figure out your value to the team you want to join and reach out to the coach.
How will the fact that you are already recruited impact this upcoming season?
It will make me more confident in my abilities. It also allows me to have fun this season and enjoy my teammates.
What are your favorite and least favorite parts of track?
Most favorite is winning, least favorite is the workouts. 4 300s is the worst workout.
Was Carnegie Mellon always your plan?
Obviously everyone aims for D1, but I saw my potential and figured out what I wanted to do, and realized a D3 school was a better option for me. I contacted about 20 schools, but ultimately chose CMU because of the academics.