Yassine is a man of contrasts. A mathematician who also powerlifts and does mixed martial arts, he took an unconventional route to the International Mathematical Olympiad. While many competitors begin preparing in middle school, he only discovered Olympiads seven months before the IMO—and still earned a medal. His ability to visualise mathematical ideas, paired with intense focus and curiosity, reshaped his academic path and opened doors he never imagined. He shared thoughts on harnessing the “flow” state and the importance of working the body as well as the mind. 

We caught up as he started his first year at Oxford (interview edited for length and clarity):