6x Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates Reveals Who Inspired Him to Start Bodybuilding: “Saw Something of Myself in Him”

Dorian Yates was one of those prodigies in the bodybuilding industry who was rather upset to get the title of runner-up in his Mr. Olympia debut. However, it was only temporary as the bodybuilder claimed the title the next year and continued to add to his streak for 6 consecutive years. But how did he do it? Were there any inspiring figures in his life who boosted his determination?

It was not easy to make a living and follow a diet back in the day and hence Yates had to get jobs to gather enough money, which he did after looking at the bodybuilder who still amazes the present fitness world with a marvelous physique at the age of 77, Robby Robinson. 

Dorian Yates used to look at Robinson’s Magazine pictures

Yates shared photos of himself on his Instagram and revealed the moments when he received immense inspiration from Robby Robinson. He even explained how he used to see himself in Robinson, “It was around this time when I first saw Robby Robinson in the magazines, and after studying him, I came to realize that I saw something of myself in him.” The bodybuilder also talked about how he had his first job as a Tyre fitter but he soon regretted it.

Yates explained that he used to work hard just so that he could save up enough money so he could afford a suitable diet. In the process, he also underwent a rapid diet change from sausage, and chips to more healthy food options. He wrote, “It was different back then, and after working various jobs and being able to save enough money, I became inspired by the articles in the magazines and soon changed my diet from the usual of sausage and chips, pies and other frozen foods, to more athlete-acceptable foods.”

However, Yates’ leap into bodybuilding has not been based upon only one incident. Besides getting inspired by Robby Robinson, he was told about his insane build in the prison. But was it the only other moment when he was challenging his body? Let us find out.

Dorian Yates explains what planted the seed for his career in bodybuilding

Yates confessed that he started working on his body at a very young age. Although not specifically for bodybuilding, he was prompted to take part in Martial arts as well as bodyweight training as well. He then revealed, “It was always a part of my life, some form of exercise both indoors and outdoors, running, biking just something to get me moving.”

Yates also recalled moments from his school days when he used to play with his friends and they would start smashing chairs into more productive furniture for their use. He recorded in the caption of his post, “It’s funny to think back, but I even remember back when we were in our school years, myself and my friends would smash the backs off chairs and make them into a type of bench that we could use! I guess the seed was planted…”

Which of the bodybuilding icons inspire you the most? Let us know their name as well as some features that you find absolutely fascinating.