The sport of bodybuilding boasts about gifted bodybuilders like Dorian Yates who raised the bar higher with their incredible feats. He is among a handful of British bodybuilders who etched their names in history. Not only did Yates win six Mr. Olympia titles, but he also ushered the mass monster era during his prime. And those attainments definitely brought speculations about the motivation behind his success.
As per a recent interview, The Shadow spilled the secret behind his thriving prosperity. The 61-year-old legend shared how he channeled his anger through bodybuilding and got control over himself in his maiden days.
Dorian Yates shared the driving force behind his accomplishments
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The English bodybuilder struggled a lot as a teenager, after his father’s sudden demise. It was painful for the 13-year-old boy who just hit puberty to lose his idol. He was angry and saddened and was looking for a resort to hide his feelings. However, that’s when bodybuilding came to the rescue. The IFBB pro used his “discipline”, “analytical brain”, and “planning brain” to marvel at the sport.
Even though he was introduced to the fitness arena at an early age, Yates couldn’t pursue it because of his tumultuous life. Later he understood that “I [he] was made for bodybuilding.” And the soon-to-be bodybuilder wanted to be in control of his life, “Because of what happened to me, I don’t really trust anybody. So, I wanted to be in total control of everything…No outside factors, because people have been stupid decisions as far as I can see.”
At that time, it was a compulsion for Yates to find a retreat which he found in bodybuilding. As he shared, “Win or lose, succeed or not, this is going to be down to me.” Nevertheless, after being fully active in the sport, he fell in love with it. Thus, a pinch of compulsion, mixed with determination and passion worked as the fuel behind his attainments.
The Shadow commenced his era
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After the commendable era of Lee Haney, Yates bridged the gap between Haney and Ronnie Coleman. When he stepped on the stage, everyone used to freak out. With the bulk in his body, a monstrous back, and a well-conditioned physique, Yates became the new face of bodybuilding. Apart from winning the enviable Mr. Olympia title, he had several other world titles under his belt.
Even after 30 years, there’s still no one who could match his colossal physique. Starting his fitness journey by learning karate, the bodybuilder looks to yoga to maintain flexibility now.
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His interview is indeed a blessing in disguise for many who just need a little push to accomplish their goals. What do you think of his feats? Taking his struggles into consideration, would you rank him on the list of the greatest bodybuilders?