Youngblood keeps on trucking - Hard Times - Don Youngblood - Brief Article

Flex, Dec, 2002 by Jim Schmaltz

Even before DON YOUNODLOOD did the improbable and beat VINCE TAYLOR at the Masters Olympia this year (see the contest report beginning on page 218 in this issue), he was a hero to bodybuilders -- whether they know it or not. "I have a trucking business -- SDS Transportation," said Youngblood, who lives in Alma, Arkansas. "We haul frozen foods all across the United States, mainly chicken and beef." That's right: Don and his ace truckers do their best to make sure all that protein gets to your favorite food store. Go ahead, guys, say it: "I love you, Don."

Onstage in Lynchburg on August17, Youngblood, at 247 pounds, stood out like an 18-wheeler in a Toyota car lot. A year earlier, Youngblood was six pounds lighter when he narrowly lost to Taylor and was determined not to repeat the disappointment in 2002. "I was eight points ahead of Vince after the prejudging last year, then lost it in the evening show," Youngblood said. "I have no sour grapes from last year, but I wasn't going to let it happen again."

He didn't. Lightfooting around the stage like GENE KELLY in an Incredible Hulk costume, the 48-year-old sent his 25-plus supporters into a tizzy with his fancy dancing. When it was over, Dandy Don had made history. Not bad for a guy who competed in his first contest (the Masters Arkansas, which he won) when he was 40 years old. Eight years later, he's qualified for the Mr. Olympia. "I feel blessed," he said. "I can't wait to compete in Las Vegas with KEVIN LEYRONE, FLEX WHEELER and RONNIE COLEMAN. They're legends in the sport, and to think I'm going to be up there with those guys is unbelievable. I'm looking forward to the chance I to see where I stack up."

And those legends are looking forward to what your trucks are hauling, Don. OK, he may not win the Mr. Olympia this year, but he should win Mr. Popularity.