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Cover Story: Ty Clark – 26-Year-Old On Welcoming New Baby, Military Life & Becoming An IPL Pro

     In this inspiring cover story, we chat with Ty Clark, a 26-year-old athlete who’s quickly making a name for himself. Recently earning his Pro Cards in both Men’s Athletic Open and Men’s Bodybuilding Open at the September 2024 IPL Golden Heart Classic, Ty reflects on how his journey to success is driven by more than just personal ambition. It’s fueled by his newfound purpose as a father and his disciplined military background. From balancing the demands of training with fatherhood to pushing through the challenges of military life. In this interview, he opens up about his journey, what motivates him, and how he plans to inspire others along the way.

PHOTOGRAPHY BY BEN YOSEF

“BEING A FATHER IS A LIFE-CHANGING EXPERIENCE THAT BRINGS A NEW SENSE OF PURPOSE AND MOTIVATION…MY GOALS FEEL MORE SIGNIFICANT, KNOWING THAT I’M SETTING AN EXAMPLE.”

ATHLETIC MAGAZINE: Congratulations on your new baby! What is it like being a father, and how has becoming a parent changed your perspective on training and competition?
TY CLARK: Being a father is a life-changing experience that brings a new sense of purpose and motivation. It’s made me look at training and competing with a deeper intention. Everything I do is now focused on providing a future for my child and being a role model. My goals feel more significant, knowing that I’m setting an example. Not just for myself, but for my family.
AM: Winning 1st place and earning Pro Qualifications in both Men’s Athletic Open and Men’s Bodybuilding Open at the IPL Golden Heart Classic must have been exhilarating moments. Can you describe the emotions you felt when you realized you earned your Pro Cards?
TC: The feeling was surreal and overwhelming. Knowing that all the hours of dedication, the sacrifices, and the grit paid off in such a big way brought an emotional rush. There was a moment of pure pride and joy, especially as a newcomer. It was proof that hard work and focus can lead to incredible results.

“MY MILITARY BACKGROUND HAS TAUGHT ME TO STRUCTURE MY DAY WITH PRECISION, AND THAT’S BEEN KEY TO JUGGLING BOTH COMMITMENTS.”

AM: As a first-time competitor, what was the most surprising aspect of the experience for you at the Golden Heart Classic?
TC: The camaraderie backstage was one of the biggest surprises. I expected it to be very competitive, but there was also a strong sense of mutual respect and support among athletes. Everyone was pushing for their best, but there was genuine encouragement, and that made the experience unforgettable.
AM: Balancing military life with your bodybuilding career must also be challenging. How do you manage your time and priorities?
TC: Time management and discipline are crucial. My military background has taught me to structure my day with precision, and that’s been key to juggling both commitments. I set strict routines and prioritize each goal, knowing that consistency is what will make the difference.

“I’M WORKING TO ASSESS WHAT CAN BE IMPROVED AND SETTING SPECIFIC GOALS FOR EACH TRAINING PHASE. IT’S ABOUT INCREMENTAL PROGRESS AND COMING BACK STRONGER EVERY TIME.”

AM: What motivated you to pursue bodybuilding competition? And why the IPL?
TC: Bodybuilding has been a passion of mine, and I always saw it as a way to push myself to new limits. The IPL stood out because of its focus on natural bodybuilding and the integrity of the sport, which aligns with my values. I wanted to compete in an organization that emphasized health and authenticity.
AM: As an IPL Pro, how do you plan to focus your training and competition strategy moving forward?
TC: My focus is now on fine-tuning each aspect of my physique to be even better prepared for future competitions. I’m working to assess what can be improved and setting specific goals for each training phase. It’s about incremental progress and coming back stronger every time.

 

“IT’S ALL ABOUT FINDING BALANCE AND REMEMBERING THAT EVERY SMALL ACTION TOWARD YOUR GOAL MATTERS. SET CLEAR BOUNDARIES FOR YOUR TRAINING AND FAMILY TIME, AND STICK TO THEM.”

AM: What advice would you give to aspiring competitors who are also trying to juggle family or other responsibilities?
TC: Prioritize and plan. It’s all about finding balance and remembering that every small action toward your goal matters. Set clear boundaries for your training and family time, and stick to them. Surround yourself with supportive people who understand your goals, and don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.
AM: You’ve mentioned the importance of support and encouragement in your journey. Who have been your biggest supporters, and how have they impacted your contest prep and competition?
TC: My family has been my biggest source of support, especially my wife. She’s been there every step of the way. From meal prep to late-night pep talks. Her understanding and encouragement kept me grounded and focused, even when things got tough.

“…I’M EXCITED FOR THE JOURNEY AHEAD AND THE IMPACT IT WILL HAVE ON MY FAMILY AND CAREER.”

AM: What does it mean to you personally to go from a newcomer to a Pro athlete in such a short time? How do you hope to inspire others with your journey?
TC: It’s a testament to the power of dedication and self-belief. I hope my story shows others that no matter where you start, with enough work and resilience, you can reach heights you never thought possible. It’s about committing fully and giving your all, and that’s the message I hope to inspire.
AM: Looking ahead, what are some of your goals in the sport, and how do you envision your future both as an athlete and a father?
TC: I aim to compete at the highest level, continue growing as an athlete, and set new personal records. As a father, I want to be a role model for my child, showing them the value of hard work and determination. Balancing both roles is challenging, but I’m excited for the journey ahead and the impact it will have on my family and career. ATHLETIC

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