Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dorian Yates are popular names in the world of bodybuilding. Despite being from different eras of competitive bodybuilding, their opinions on modern bodybuilding are a serious subject of debate. One title short of Schwarzenegger, Yates, the 6 x Mr. Olympia showed no sign of hesitation in making a bold remark in an interview in 2013.
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The golden era, as it is widely regarded, saw bodybuilders like Sergio Oliva, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, Lou Ferrigno, and more. They played an instrumental role in popularizing the sport. With time, the sport evolved to great heights, with the competition becoming more intense. And winning Mr. Olympia meant everything to bodybuilders. In the interview, Yates also explained why he disagrees with Arnold’s take on modern bodybuilding.
Dorian Yates reasoned why Arnold Schwarzenegger can’t criticize him
It is well known that the Austrian Oak is very critical of the practices followed by modern-day bodybuilders. “I don’t know how he can criticize me or the sport,” Yates expressed discontent over Schwarzenegger’s uncensored thoughts. He continued his argument with hard-hitting statements.
Yates explained, “He [Arnold] doesn’t know anything about the sport because he doesn’t come to watch the competition.” To give clarity, he mentioned, “He never goes to Mr. Olympia.” In addition, he pointed out that Arnold was a big movie star then and thus distanced himself from the sport and its trends.
Furthermore, Dorian Yates commented on Schwarzenegger’s 1980 Mr. Olympia title win against Yates’ mentor and Schwarzenegger’s rival, Mike Mentzer. “Pretty much everybody in the sport known accepted that he shouldn’t have won that contest,” he stated. Moreover, he didn’t shy away from stating the reason, “Arnold’s friend was a promoter, and one of Arnold’s friends were on the judging panel.”
What offended Yates?
Schwarzenegger once attacked modern-day bodybuilders for being so obsessed with their size, making it a life threat. Yates brought in the standards of increased size in the mid-90s, and Schwarzenegger couldn’t keep quiet about it. Yates questioned the Terminator actor’s blunt criticism, devoid of knowledge and awareness about the situation.
The 7 x Mr. Olympia also criticized that competitors resorted to lifting extremely heavy weights to achieve bigger and massive-sized physiques. With utter discontent about how the sport was evolving, Schwarzenegger lashed out at modern bodybuilders. What do you think about Yates’ and Schwarzenegger’s perspectives on modern-day bodybuilding? Share in the comments.
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Simar Singh Wadhwa