Yanla Ndjip-Nyemeck

Belgian National Record Holder | 100m Hurdles | Three-Time NCAA All-American

Yanla Ndjip-Nyemeck is a Belgian hurdling sensation who has established herself as one of Europe’s premier sprint hurdlers while pursuing academic excellence at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). A Belgian national champion, national record holder, and three-time NCAA All-American, Ndjip-Nyemeck represents the modern student-athlete who excels both on the track and in the classroom.

Athletic Achievements

Belgian National Records & Championships

Belgian National Record Co-Holder – 100m Hurdles

• Time: 12.71 seconds (+1.5 m/s)
• Date: June 12, 2025
• Location: Eugene, Oregon (NCAA Championships semifinal)
• Equaled the Belgian national record, placing her among the fastest hurdlers in Belgian history

Belgian National Champion

• Two-time Belgian Champion in the 100m hurdles
• 2023 Belgian Championships: Gold medal in 100m hurdles
• Established herself as Belgium’s top female hurdler

Belgian Youth Records

• Belgian U18 Record: 8.26 seconds in 60m hurdles (2019)
• World’s fastest U18 time in 60m hurdles for 2019 season
• Set multiple age-group records throughout youth career

NCAA & Collegiate Excellence

Three-Time NCAA All-American (UCLA)

Indoor Championships:

• 2025: First Team All-American (60m hurdles) – 8th place finish
• 2023: First Team All-American (60m hurdles) – 8.01 seconds in prelims

Outdoor Championships:

• 2025: Second Team All-American (100m hurdles)
• 2025: Second Team All-American (4x100m relay)

NCAA Performance Highlights

• #2 fastest collegian in 100m hurdles for 2025 season (12.71)
• Led all qualifiers at NCAA Championships with 12.71 in semifinals
• 8th place at 2025 NCAA Indoor Championships in 60m hurdles
• 12th place at 2025 NCAA Outdoor Championships in 4x100m relay

Big Ten Conference Success

• Two-time silver medalist at 2025 Big Ten Outdoor Championships (100mH and 4×100)
• Bronze medal at 2025 Big Ten Indoor Championships (60m hurdles)
• All-Big Ten Second Team honors (2025)

UCLA School Records

• #2 all-time in 100m hurdles (12.71)
• #2 all-time in 60m hurdles (8.01)
• School record in 4x100m relay (43.03) – ran leadoff leg with teammates Naomi Johnson, Kaylen Fletcher, and Taylor Snaer

California State University Northridge (CSUN) Records

Record-Breaking Freshman Year (2022)

• CSUN school record: 13.02 in 100m hurdles
• Big West Conference record: 13.02 in 100m hurdles (broke 19-year-old record)
• Silver medal: 200m at Big West Championships (23.91) – 4th fastest freshman time in school history
• Academic All-Conference honors

Personal Bests & World Rankings

Ndjip-Nyemeck has achieved world-class times across multiple events:

• 100 Metres Hurdles: 12.71 seconds (=Belgian National Record)
• 60 Metres Hurdles (indoor): 8.01 seconds
• 200 Metres: 23.91 seconds
• 100 Metres: 11.76 seconds
• 4x100m Relay: 43.03 seconds (UCLA school record)
• Current World Ranking: #79 in women’s 100m hurdles

Her 12.71 Belgian national record ranks among the top times in European athletics and demonstrates world-class hurdling ability.

International Competition Experience

2024 World Athletics Indoor Championships (Glasgow)

• Represented Belgium at her first senior World Championships
• Competed in 60m hurdles at the Emirates Arena
• Early exit after striking the first hurdle, providing valuable championship experience

2023 European U23 Championships (Espoo, Finland)

• 7th place in 100m hurdles semifinal (13.28)
• Competed with the 4th fastest entry time among participants
• Represented Belgium’s future in sprint hurdles at premier youth championship

2019 French Cadet Championships

• French National Champion (60m hurdles) while living in France
• Bronze medal in 60m dash
• Equaled LBFA (Belgian federation) record of 8.35 seconds
• 3rd best European U18 performance of the year

2018 Belgian U18 Indoor National Championships

• Champion in 60m hurdles (8.38)

Educational Background & Aspirations

University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Academic Program

• Bachelor’s degree in Sociology (graduated 2025)
• UCLA Athletic Director’s Honor Roll (Fall 2024)
• Maintained academic excellence while competing at elite athletic level

Ndjip-Nyemeck transferred to UCLA in 2023 after starting her collegiate career at California State University Northridge, where she earned Academic All-Conference honors. The move to UCLA, one of America’s most prestigious universities, reflected both her athletic ambitions and commitment to academic excellence.

Medical School Aspirations

Ndjip-Nyemeck has expressed a long-term goal to pursue medical school after completing her undergraduate studies. In the United States, medical school requires a bachelor’s degree before admission, and her sociology background provides a strong foundation in understanding human behavior, social determinants of health, and patient care—all valuable perspectives for future medical practice.

Her choice to study sociology while training at the highest levels of collegiate athletics demonstrates exceptional time management, dedication, and the ability to excel in multiple demanding areas simultaneously.

Academic Philosophy

Graduating summa cum laude from St. Anthony High School in Long Beach, California, Ndjip-Nyemeck established early on that academic excellence would parallel her athletic pursuits. She represents the ideal student-athlete: competitive on the track, committed in the classroom, and ambitious about her future beyond athletics.

Personal Journey & Background

International Path

Born: Brussels, Belgium (Anderlecht)

Ndjip-Nyemeck’s athletic journey spans three countries, reflecting a global perspective and adaptability:

Belgium (birth – age 12)

• Born to parents Roger and Ginette Ndjip-Nyemeck
• Discovered passion for track and field
• Established herself in Belgian youth athletics

France (age 12-17)

• Moved to France at age 12
• Continued athletic development in French system
• Won French national youth championship
• Maintained connection to Belgian athletics federation

United States (age 17-present)

• Moved to California in 2019
• Attended St. Anthony High School in Long Beach
• Graduated summa cum laude
• Continued to NCAA career at CSUN, then UCLA
• Balanced American collegiate athletics with Belgian national team representation

This international experience has shaped Ndjip-Nyemeck into a well-rounded individual who bridges multiple cultures while maintaining strong ties to her Belgian roots.

Family Foundation

Daughter of Roger and Ginette Ndjip-Nyemeck, Yanla credits her family’s support for enabling her to pursue athletics and education across continents. The decision to move to France at age 12 and then to the United States at 17 demonstrates a family committed to providing opportunities for their daughter’s development.

Personal Interests & Inspirations

Athletic Role Models

Ndjip-Nyemeck draws inspiration from legendary hurdlers and sprinters:

• Allyson Felix: Olympic champion and advocacy pioneer
• Kendra Harrison: World record holder in 100m hurdles
• Dina Asher-Smith: British sprint star
• Dawn Harper: UCLA Athletics Hall of Famer and Olympic champion (whose 60m hurdles record Ndjip-Nyemeck chases)

These role models represent not just athletic excellence but also leadership, advocacy, and using athletics as a platform for positive change.

Entertainment & Culture

Favorite TV Show: Criminal Minds Favorite Movie: Bad Boys franchise Favorite Musician: Alicia Keys

These interests reveal a personality that appreciates both intensity (action films, crime dramas) and artistry (Alicia Keys’ soulful music), reflecting the balance she maintains between competitive drive and personal expression.

Life Philosophy

Her advice to young people: “Hard work always pays off.”

This simple yet powerful message encapsulates Ndjip-Nyemeck’s approach to both athletics and life. Her journey from Belgian youth athlete to NCAA All-American and national record holder exemplifies this philosophy—success through dedication, persistence, and unwavering commitment to improvement.

Overcoming Adversity

2023: Learning Through Challenges

Ndjip-Nyemeck’s journey hasn’t been without setbacks:

Concussion Recovery

• Suffered a concussion after falling on the final hurdle at 2023 NCAA Indoor Championships
• Sidelined for one month during crucial outdoor season preparation
• Demonstrated resilience by returning to break the 13-second barrier later that season

Migraine Management

• Manages chronic migraines while training and competing at elite level
• Combined with concussion recovery and exam periods, faced significant obstacles
• Persevered to achieve personal bests and national records

World Championship Debut

• Struck first hurdle at 2024 World Indoor Championships in Glasgow
• Rather than dwelling on disappointment, used it as a learning experience
• Responded philosophically: “This can happen to anyone. You learn from it and move forward.”

These challenges have shaped Ndjip-Nyemeck into a mentally tough competitor who understands that setbacks are part of the journey to excellence.

Training & Development

Coaching Structure

Ndjip-Nyemeck benefits from an international coaching team:

UCLA Head Coach: Primary training oversight during collegiate season Belgian Coaches: Juan Da Silva and Leopold Kapata – implement UCLA program during summers in Belgium Communication: Seamless coordination between American and Belgian coaching staff

This collaborative approach allows her to maintain high-level training year-round while representing Belgium internationally.

Technical Excellence

The 100m hurdles demands exceptional technical mastery:

• Perfect stride patterns between 10 barriers
• Explosive speed combined with rhythmic precision
• Mental toughness to execute under pressure
• Flexibility and power in perfect balance

Ndjip-Nyemeck’s progression from 13.02 (2022) to 12.71 (2025) demonstrates continuous technical refinement and physical development.

Connection to Belgian Hurdles Tradition

Belgium has produced world-class hurdlers:

• Eline Berings: 2009 European Indoor Champion (60m hurdles)
• Anne Zagré: Three-time Olympian and fellow Brussels native
• Kim Gevaert: Olympic medalist who excelled across sprints

Ndjip-Nyemeck follows in this proud tradition while forging her own path as the next generation of Belgian hurdles excellence.

Representing Belgium

National Pride

Despite living in the United States since 2019, Ndjip-Nyemeck proudly represents Belgium in international competition. Her commitment to wearing the Belgian national colors demonstrates loyalty to her roots and pride in her heritage.

Dual Identity

Ndjip-Nyemeck embodies a unique dual identity:

• Competes for UCLA Bruins in American collegiate system
• Represents Belgium at World Championships and European Championships
• Bridges two athletic cultures while excelling in both

This ability to navigate two high-performance systems reflects maturity, adaptability, and a global perspective rare among young athletes.

Inspiring the Next Generation

As a young Brussels native competing at the highest levels of international athletics while pursuing academic excellence in America, Ndjip-Nyemeck serves as an inspiration to Belgian youth—particularly those from diverse backgrounds—showing that with talent, dedication, and opportunity, anything is possible.

Career Highlights & Milestones

Greatest Moment (Pre-UCLA)

Ndjip-Nyemeck identifies setting the Belgian U18 record and achieving the world’s fastest U18 time in 60m hurdles (8.26) as her greatest early career achievement. This performance announced her arrival on the international youth stage and validated her decision to pursue athletics at the highest level.

2025: Breakthrough Season

The 2025 season represented Ndjip-Nyemeck’s emergence as a world-class hurdler:

• Equaled Belgian national record (12.71)
• Three NCAA All-America honors
• #2 ranked collegian in 100m hurdles
• UCLA school records in both hurdles events
• Part of school-record 4x100m relay team

Statistical Excellence

Over her UCLA career:

• All 11 of her 60m hurdles marks in 2023 cracked UCLA’s indoor all-time top 10
• Ranked #2 all-time at UCLA in both hurdles events
• First Bruin to break 13 seconds in 100m hurdles since 2013

Looking Forward

Short-Term Goals

• Compete at 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo (qualified through world rankings)
• Continue improving times toward sub-12.6 in 100m hurdles
• Represent Belgium at future European Championships
• Pursue Diamond League and Continental Tour opportunities

Long-Term Vision

Athletic Goals:

• Olympic qualification and competition
• European medals at senior level
• Belgian national records across multiple events
• Establishing legacy as Belgium’s greatest female hurdler

Academic/Career Goals:

• Medical school admission and completion
• Career in medicine, combining athletic understanding with patient care
• Using platform to inspire youth in athletics and education

Legacy in Progress

At 23 years old with a Belgian national record, three NCAA All-America honors, and medical school aspirations, Ndjip-Nyemeck’s story is far from complete. She represents a new model of athlete: globally minded, academically ambitious, and athletically elite.

Current Status

Ndjip-Nyemeck is registered with World Athletics (athlete code: 14763345) and currently ranks #79 in the world in women’s 100m hurdles. After graduating from UCLA in 2025, she continues to train and compete at the highest levels while preparing for the next chapter of her academic journey.

As a two-time Belgian national champion and national record holder, she carries the hopes of Belgian athletics while pursuing her own ambitious goals in sport and medicine.

Impact & Significance

Role Model & Pioneer

Ndjip-Nyemeck represents multiple important narratives:

• Student-athlete excellence: Proving elite athletics and academic achievement can coexist
• International mobility: Successfully navigating athletic systems across three countries
• Belgian athletics: Continuing tradition of world-class Belgian hurdlers
• Diversity in sport: Brussels native succeeding at highest levels of global athletics
• Life beyond sport: Planning for medical career demonstrates forward thinking

Brussels Connection

As a native of Brussels who has achieved success on the world stage, Ndjip-Nyemeck maintains strong ties to her hometown. Her success inspires young athletes throughout Belgium, particularly in Brussels, showing that local talent can compete globally.

The Complete Athlete

Ndjip-Nyemeck embodies what it means to be a complete athlete in the modern era:

• Physically gifted: World-class speed and technique
• Mentally tough: Overcomes setbacks and learns from adversity
• Academically driven: Excellence in classroom matches track performance
• Culturally aware: Navigates multiple countries and systems with grace
• Future-focused: Plans for life and career beyond athletics

Yanla Ndjip-Nyemeck represents the future of Belgian athletics and the modern student-athlete ideal. As a national record holder, three-time NCAA All-American, and aspiring physician, she demonstrates that excellence knows no boundaries—whether on the track, in the classroom, or across continents. From Brussels to Los Angeles to the world stage, her journey continues to inspire and her best performances may still lie ahead.

Go Yani!