With a reputation built on eight Mr. Olympia titles, Dorian Yates is a living legend in the realm of bodybuilding. His high-intensity training not only shocked many but also inspired many who had the privilege to know him personally. One such fellow bodybuilder is Paul Baxendale. The Champion bodybuilder-turned-philosopher was a close friend and training partner of Yates for most of his time at Temple Gym.

Looking back at the good old days, Paul often shares stories and incidents from the 1990s. In his latest Instagram post, he revealed what Shawn Ray once said about Dorian Yates while pointing out the simplicity that man had despite being at the pinnacle of the sport.

Dorian Yates’ modesty once shocked Shawn Ray

Baxendale reveals that Dorian’s journey was not fueled by financial growth but rather by a pure admiration and love for bodybuilding itself. His genuine passion led him to multiple titles and success. Temple Gym, founded by Yates, is a true testament to his love for the sport as well. The gym was a sanctuary for people who shared a similar passion for the sport. Appreciating Yates’ simplicity and passion for the sport, Paul revealed that fellow bodybuilder and IFBB Pro Shawn Ray once appreciated Dorian’s modesty.

Ray stated, “Many of us Californian guys had the nice cars and the dream lifestyle, and here was a guy, even when he was Mr. Olympia, who didn’t seem interested in that stuff.” Adding to this, Ray said, “He loved Bodybuilding and being the best at what he did.”

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In an era when bodybuilding was often associated with extravagant lifestyles, Yates remained a paragon of simplicity. But what was the reason behind his true passion for the sport? What was his training motivation that kept him going? Let’s take a look. 

What was Yates’ purpose behind lifting iron?

Yates revealed a while ago in his Instagram post about a specific incident that happened when he was behind bars. He explained that a few inmates who were creating a nuisance forced the officer to say, “You’re gonna be in and out of prison all your life.” Realizing that he could not let his life go to waste, Yates got into bodybuilding as soon as he completed his sentence. After all, this was the only thing that he was good at. “My options were fairly limited,” he stated.

He further explained by saying, “I started training not to get bigger and stronger; you know, I was always feeling okay like that. It was to get out of, you know, improve my life and do something positive. And it wasn’t a feeling that I would like to do this… It was a feeling; I literally had to do it.”

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Yates’ journey to the top is highly motivating for many aspiring bodybuilders and fans. Dorian preached the importance of discipline and hard work throughout his career. It was this pure love and consistency that helped him register his name in the history textbooks.