“I Was in Prison”: Dorian Yates Opens Up on How Being Behind the Bars at 18 Led Him to Bodybuilding Sport

Born in 1962, Dorian Yates is one of the most reputed bodybuilding legends. Having won the coveted Mr. Olympia competition six times, Dorian revolutionized the competition by setting new standards in body condition and mass. He took the panel by surprise and left the competitors gasping when he presented a shredded physique with outstanding high muscle density and extremely low body fat.

From the first day on stage, he made it clear he was not ordinary. He acknowledged his potential in bodybuilding and realized the potential it had to change his life “from being a regular guy from Birmingham to reaching the pinnacle of the sport.”

Dorian Yates opens up about his love for bodybuilding 

Dorian Andrew Mientjez Yates delved into training for the first time in his mid-teens. Speaking about his bodybuilding journey earlier, he posted a video on Instagram today. Sharing his love for sports, Dorian recalls how his life changed when he was 18.

Talking about his life story, he recalls the time when “I was in prison.” The time there helped him come to an important realization. He noted that he “had a better physique than pretty much all the guys there.” Speaking more, he revealed how they had to do a circuit around the sports hall. Talking about himself, he added, “I completed mine much faster than the others, but the guard didn’t believe me and made me do it again!”

Read More: Despite Their Differences, Legends Ronnie Coleman and Dorian Yates Had Similar Takes on Modern Bodybuilders: “They Won’t make Top 5.”

He found his true calling. Dorian realized that the more effort he put into bodybuilding, the more “good was going to come out of it.” He was looking at the bird’s eye and henceforth worked hard to turn dreams into reality. From visualizing himself training to win contests, Dorian gave his soul to the sport.

The Bodybuilding glory of Dorian 

At Whatton, Yates first got recognition for his physique. He secured himself a spot in the list of Whatton’s 300 inmates. It gave Dorian a purpose in life. In 1990, in his pro debut, he secured a second spot only to return a year later and claim the title.

In 1991, he stood behind Lee Haney in claiming the Shadow trophy. After Lee retired from the sport after claiming his eighth win, Dorian went ahead to secure his domination. From 1992 to 1997, he dominated the sport single-handedly. He presented his monumental muscle mass and iconic “granite hardness.”

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