“Didn’t Want the Judges to Know”: Scared of Losing Confidence, Dorian Yates Once Hid a Gruesome Tendon Injury From Everyone Right Before the Competition

Dorian Yates didn’t wear a cap on his head when it came to showcasing his acumen in bodybuilding. Six-time Mr. Olympia set a new standard for the sport by winning again and again. The Shadow made it look so easy that his struggles were diligently hidden behind his meticulous physique and well-conditioned body. Reportedly, the classic bodybuilder suffered from a terrible injury while competing in one of his greatest contests. Surprisingly, he won that one suppressing all his hardships.

Recently in an interview, the former IFBB professional opened up about his experience while facing an agonizing tendon injury. Let’s get to know what Yates had to talk about.

“The Lion” was wounded

Yates, 60, goes back to his past and refers to a time when he was not confident and even was afraid of posing. Mentioning his injury to London Real, he said, “I can tell you that I was not feeling myself, was not feeling confident, because I knew this injury was very serious. It was almost a complete detachment, and it’s like this rope of a tendon was holding on by a little, little thread. And a knock on there or even just tensing too hard I was afraid to do that.”

He felt so vulnerable and less confident that he wanted people to stay oblivious to the fact that the “lion is wounded”. He confessed, “I didn’t want people to know and I didn’t want the judges to know because they are might be also scrutinizing you know, where is the injury.”

Read More | “Could Have Been a Bit More Easier on the People”: 6 Time Mr. Olympia, Dorian Yates Makes a Heartfelt Confession on His Career Regrets

Despite the hardships, he pushed himself to the max and consequently achieved what he had gone for. Yates remembered, “we had a lump…the day before the contest which was visible and he came it got a syringe and pulled out like 20 ml of fluid and blood and everything off there so it cosmetically was less noticeable.” The Shadow also shared how he felt powerless with his detached tricep tendon. Eventually, he revived and let his body heal by practicing yoga. It helped him to sustain a good shape to date.

What keeps him looking healthy even now?

While on a radio show organized by Muscle Development, Yates shared that his injuries not only led to his early retirement from the gym but also the sport altogether. But after his retirement, it was yoga that renewed his spirit and donned him with the flexibility that he needed. The IFBB pro always advocates yoga for better mental health too as he believes meditation aided his mental health to fight injuries.

So, a flexible lifestyle benefitted the muscle monster rather than extensive strength training. Eventually, this is his mantra behind keeping a healthy body and looking fit and fine. Yates successfully recovered from all his injuries leading to a sustainable way of life.

Watch This Story | Bodybuilding Legend Lou Ferrigno’s Three Secrets to Stay in the Top Shape

Do you think yoga can be the future of bodybuilders to live longer and healthy? Don’t forget to drop your thought in the comment section.