The man, the myth, and the legend, Dorian Yates, has achieved remarkable success in bodybuilding. Yates maintained a monk-like existence even during this winning streak. The Shadow strived to fight a war with himself to be better each day. He entered the arena because it allowed him to transform himself and reach his potential. Yates remained unfazed by titans like Lee Haney in his bodybuilding career. The veteran bodybuilder thought he was better at the game.

In a resurfaced video shared by Fit Genious, Mr. Olympia reminisces about the challenging, albeit glorious, days that made him a champion. His winner’s mentality is a lesson for those not confident in their success.

Dorian Yates changed his psyche to win against Lee Haney

The video on Instagram reflects Yates’s rigor and passion for bodybuilding. The Beast recalled how Lee Haney dominated the bodybuilding scene in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1984, Lee won his first Sandow trophy and continued the streak until 1991. Whereas the English pro just started his training a year later. At that time, many people spent nerve-wracking moments pondering if they could ever win against the G.O.A.T. Even the six-time Mr. Olympia wondered if it could ever be done.

Recollecting his stance, Dorian Yates said, “People and myself were thinking I could maybe take this guy, and I had to change my mental approach from Wow, it’s Lee Haney, Mr. Olympia, to like no no no.” The bodybuilding juggernaut focused on the essentials that set him apart. “Hold on. Its two arms, and two legs, lift weights, and one thing I can guarantee, he does not train as hard as me. Does not dedicate as much as me… That’s my focus, and I will not be distracted by anything,” stated the mass monster. His trick was to consider himself better than Haney so that the fight would not overwhelm him. Finally, Yates’s hard work paid off in 1992 when he clinched the Mr. Olympia title. But before that, he was a runner-up to Lee Haney in 1991. Despite all the rivalry and competition, the Shadow considered Haney an inspiration.

Yates respect for Lee Haney

Many months ago, the English fitness icon shared a side-by-side picture of him and Haney posing on the Mr. Olympia stage. He wrote in the caption, “I saw Lee Guest pose in England, and he was an inspiration to me, a big guy and a family man. I had my son, Lewis, so he was an inspiration in that way as all the other guys were single… so I’m a fan basically now.” The moments spent during the competition are intense. However, years later, they often become friends as they traverse the meandering path.

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There are many great rivalries in the bodybuilding world. However, the athletes are united in their dogged approach to winning titles. Moreover, the challenges of the sport in terms of the resilience needed to transform one’s body make these bodybuilders unique. They forge an unspoken bond with each other. 

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