Wilson Yeung
February 2016 - Wilson Yeung
Please introduce yourself. Who are you? How old are you? Where were you born? Etc. Give the readers some background about yourself.
My name is Wilson Yeung. Currently 21 year old attending the University of Georgia. I am pursuing a B.B.A. in Management Information Systems. I started lifting during my freshman year in college. This is my third year powerlifting.
Do you compete equipped (squat suit, bench press shirt & deadlift suit) or unequipped (no suits) or both and what weight class(s) and divisions(s) do you compete in?
I compete both equipped and raw in the 74kg weight class.
When was your first competition?
My first competition was the GA state meet in 2013. I think I squatted 254, benched 209 and deadlifted 325.
How did you improve from your first competition to your most recent?
At first I was just maxing every session, which was dumb. I jumped on some linear progression program and made gains from there.
Where are you located in Georgia and where do you train at?
I’m located in Athens, Ga. I train at the school gym.
What are your hobbies (other than powerlifting)?
I like to keep up with world news, technology, and the stock market. I also enjoy watching movies and learning about history. When I have more free time, I plan on learning more about coding and technical analysis.
Who is your role model and why?
Amazing lifters like James Vang and John Rivas had helped me a lot during my early lifting days. I could only dream of having half of their dedication and passion for powerlifting.
What is something that most people don’t know about you?
I am a bus driver for UGA campus transit.
Is there anything about powerlifting you would like to change or wish was different?
I wish more people would view powerlifting as a competitive sport as opposed to just something they do in the gym. Also, people should try equipped lifting at least once in their lives.
What is your occupation? Does it interfere with competing or visa versa?
I am a full time student. It does interfere with competing and training because doing well in school is always my top priority.
How did you get into powerlifting and how many years have you been competing?
I only started lifting when I was a freshman in college. I was a skinny kid growing up, and I just decided one day I want to see what my body was capable of.
Are you involved in powerlifting in any way besides as a competitor?
I try to go to different meets to support my teammates or volunteer. I am also the President of the UGA Powerlifting Club. Last year was a fresh start for us, and we had been trying to get our members to be more involved. At this year’s state meet, we had members competing and volunteering, but most importantly defeating our arch rival the GT barbell club J.
What are your biggest squat, bench press, deadlift and total numbers? And how do your best training numbers compare to your best competition numbers?
My best equipped numbers in competition were 451 squat, 352 bench press, 440 dead done in Collegiate Nationals in 2015. I had done 475x2 for squat and 500 deadlift in the gym. My raw numbers are atrocious so let’s not talk about it.
What advice would you give a new lifter just starting out?
Try and have some fun. Don’t sweat about your numbers. You have your whole life to improve and growth. Don’t be scared to do your first meet. You will be surprised by how rapidly you improve.
What are your short term goals now as a lifter?
Trying to build up my raw strength and increase my training frequency. It is hard trying to balance school work and training, and I’m currently trying to spare more time in the gym.
What are some long term goals you would like to achieve?
My life goal is 500 Wilks equipped. I have a LONG way to go but it’s something I would like to achieve in the future.
Who is your favorite powerlifter of all time?
I like watching the IPF equipped guys lift. I learn a lot about techniques just by watching them.
Can you describe your training philosophy and/or a typical training session?
I try to stay consistent and make slow and steady gains. You can gain 60lb on your squat in from so and so program but you won’t be able to sustain that progress. Also, don’t burn out yourself. My training sessions are pretty simple. Just the main lifts then accessories afterwards. I use accessories to improve my weak points.
What is your favorite lift, squat or bench press or deadlift or all three and why?
I like the simplicity of the deadlift. You either pick it up or you don’t. Also sumo deadlift is fun to do.
Who is the most impressive lifter you have competed against?
Competing at Collegiate Nationals was an eye opening experience. There were extreme talents in my weight class like Blake Lehew from Texas A&M who completely obliterated my total, and then you have Aaron Pomerantz who had a 500lb+ first attempt bench press. It keeps me humble and reminds me to continue to work hard.
If we're sitting here a year from now celebrating what a great year it's been for you, what would be the reason?
Hopefully by then I will hit some decent raw numbers and receive several good job offers!
Anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you Mark Freeman for the interview. Also shout out to UGA Powerlifting.