Yolanda Hughes-Heying

Yolanda R. Hughes-Heying (born October 30, 1963) is an American professional female bodybuilder from the United States. Yolanda Hughes-Heying (born Yolanda Hughes) was born in Murfreesboro, Tennessee on October 30, 1963. She was raised by her grandmother and was one of five children. Her grandmother wanted her to pursue her interest in gymnastics. As a youngster, she spent much of her time at the local youth center exploring her interests in sports and physical fitness. While attending Murfreesboro High School, she excelled academically in the areas of psychology and geography.

By her senior year in high school, Yolanda had competed at both the local and state level in track achieving various titles, mastering the 110 hurtles, 100 meters, long jump, and the 440 relay. Although her primary interest at the time was track, gymnastics allowed her to develop a sense of well-being through an inner-focus and clear determination to succeed. She pursued gymnastics by training and competing both in local and state competitions. Eventually, she aspired to compete at the national level in hopes of her ultimate dream of becoming a world-class Olympic gymnast.