D6 Athlete of the Week: Robert Ilkhan, Frontier Academy

"Robert competed last weekend in the Frontier Invitational for Academic Decathlon. Five teams from across Colorado attended the event with 68 students competing against each other. Robert earned a 680 score and 2nd place in the Scholastic Division Science Category and a 620 score in the Social Science Category in his first competition ever! Congratulations on this fantastic performance!" - Rick Fooshee, AcaDeca Sponsor

Student Name

Robert Ilkhan

School

Frontier Academy

Grade Level

Freshman

Sports

Academic Decathlon

Positions

Scholastic

Stats

• 680 in the Science Category
• 2nd place overall for Science in the Scholastic Division
• 620 in the Social Science Category
• 4th place overall for Social Science in the Scholastic Division

"Getting 2nd place in Scholastic at my first competition meant my hard work had paid off, and I got to make my team proud. Most importantly, I represented my school well." 

What are your goals for this season?

"My goals are to go to nationals and win with my team to bring home the trophy." 

Who are your role models in your sport or life, and how have they influenced you? 

"My role models in my life are my Academic Decathlon teammates Kaylee, Becket, and John and my soccer teammates Caiden and Beau. They have shown me you can have fun while putting in hardwork, and that the greatest rewards require going above and beyond." 

How do you manage the balance between academics and athletics? What strategies have been most effective for you? 

"I have found that the best way to balance them is to surround myself with good influences and to not lose sight of the bigger picture. The most effective strategy for me is to mix different recreations with responsibilities, praying with studies, practicing soccer, taking a break, and videogames." 

How do you handle pressure and maintain mental resilience during high-stakes competition?

"I remember that it's not just me, and that our perseverence is a team effort. I also ask Allah for guidance and for his will to stay strong." 

What are your career or college plans after you graduate high school? 

"I am planning on going to medical school and becoming a cardiologist." 

What advice do you have for younger athletes who want to join your sport?

"My advice for younger athletes would be to trust the process. It may seem counterintuitive at times, but it will pay off." 

Do you have any funny pre-game rituals or superstitions that you stick to?

"I always wear blue because it's my luck color." 

If you were to participate in a talent show unrelated to your sport, what would your act be?

"It would be playing the guitar."