Just like every king goes through battles, bodybuilding legend Dorian Yates also dealt with his share. He suffered a number of acute injuries throughout his career, however, one final injury majorly influenced his retirement from the sport. Around the preps for the 1997, Mr. Olympia, The Shadow, fell prey to a harsh tricep injury which made competing look like a far-fetched dream.
Recalling the horrifying incident in his recent Instagram post, the athlete painted a detailed picture of the turn of events that ultimately packed up his illustrious bodybuilding journey. Moreover, he took his retirement so seriously that he even denied guest posing and vanished into the shadows.?
Dorian Yates? Dilemma in 1997
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Sharing a couple of photos from the time, the 61-year-old athlete was seen working out while recovering from his tricep injury. As per the caption, Yates had to undergo surgery in New York, since the doctors had little experience with tricep surgeries in the UK. He was treated by a doctor who worked with NFL players.?
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Yet, the British athlete wasn?t ready to compromise on his workout regimen. He began training the other side of his upper body during the rehab phase. However, his injury was so serious that it needed more time than there was to completely recover. Hence, Yates went on stage with 90% of his tricep tendon detached. Although he took the necessary caution, he was aware this would be his last show.?
?My tricep tendon was 90% detached, so I was very cautious when posing and defiantly didn?t want to bang elbows with any of my competitors?This could?ve caused complete detachment!? he stated in the Instagram post. This encouraged the decision for his retirement, and Yates decided to never appear on stage as he drifted away from the sport for good.?
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Do you think his retirement decision was worth it, or could he have tried for an indefinite time in the industry? Tell us in the comments.