“I Have Had Abs Since I Can Remember”: 61-Year-Old Bodybuilding Legend Raves About His Genetics as He Narrates the Hardships He Went Through in Life

Childhood was not easy for six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates. Coming from an estranged family and an episode that landed him in prison was just the tip of the iceberg. Yates recently featured on a podcast that was hosted by YouTuber Rob Lipsett. The video is appropriately titled Winning at All Costs as Yates discussed his never-give-up attitude that was partly influenced by his life on the streets. 

The British bodybuilder had difficulties establishing himself in a sport that is primarily dominated by Americans. Yet, Yates had good genes on his side to make his presence more dominating than the rest. And yes, he used it to his advantage! 

Yates talks about his initial bodybuilding days

There is no denying at this point that the sport of bodybuilding is heavily dependent on one’s genetics. The Shadow was gifted and admitted that he already had a nice base to start with. 

“I started training already with a physique….I mean I already had this, this was natural. I’ve had abs, I’ve still got abs now I’m 60yrs old…I’ve had abs since I can remember…since I was 13-14 years old,” revealed Yates. Adding to this, he said, “I just had a good…low body fat, good structure, not massive or anything.”

Read More: Hailed as the ‘King of Aesthetics’, 80-Year-Old Bodybuilding Legend Offers a Simple Advice to Maximize Overall Fitness

It is evident from the conversation that Yates had a troubled youth. Gym became his safe haven, and with the aid of good genetics, he set out to become one of the great bodybuilders of all time.  

Yates went to libraries to learn about the sport

Yates explained further in the podcast that during his time, there were very few resources available to learn about the sport. Back then, it was just the magazines and books that were available and Yates took full advantage of it.

“I was reading everything to get my hands on…every book on bodybuilding, every book on nutrition, every magazine…no Internet of course, we are talking early 80s, so you’ve got to search for your information,” told Yates. Further, he added, “I even went to the library and uh got books on nutrition to learn about macros and nobody’s really doing that then,” he added. 

Watch this story: Revealed: The Best Protein for Mass Gain According to 8x Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman

Due to the physique that he had built in just eight months, a guy at his gym suggested he compete in a bodybuilding contest. Along with two juiced-up guys, he didn’t stand a chance to win back then. Yates advocated staying away from steroids and PEDs. After all, it’s not the compounds that bodybuilders use that make them a champion, it’s their genetics and dedication in the gym.