Dorian Yates Biography, Schedule, Diet + Interview

Geschatte leestijd: 4 minuten The six-time Mr. Olympia certainly should not be missing from the list of successful bodybuilders and rightfully has a huge number of fans worldwide. The British bodybuilder followed in the footsteps of Lee Haney as a mass monster. Before Lee Haney, the world had not seen such muscle mass. Dorian, ”the shadow” Yates took it to the next level. Dorian’s black and white photos in his socks have become legendary.

Biography of Dorian Yates

Dorian was born in the countryside of England but moved to Birmingham with his parents in his teenage years. In the big city, the teenager soon ran into trouble and was sentenced to six months in juvenile detention. Here, he built a reputation for being the strongest among all detainees. This built his self-respect and the desire to never return here but to do something positive with his life. In 1983, he started training. After some victories in England – 1985 Novice Championships and 1988 British Championships – he visited New York in 1990 for the Night of Champions and placed second. The following year, he won. In 1991, Yates placed second in the Olympia after Lee Haney, who won his eighth Olympia victory and retired from competitions. From ’92 to ’97, he won the Mr. Olympia competition every year, even after tearing his biceps in ’94 and tearing his biceps and triceps in ’97! However, it was ultimately this last injury that forced him to retire from competitions after 15 victories and two 2nd places! Yates was known for his short but very intensive training methods. He advocated HIT (High Intensity Training), a method made known by Mike Mentzer, although he adapted it. The Shadow evokes imagination as someone who managed to reach the top from a difficult environment and without genetic predisposition. Nowadays, he still resides in Birmingham where he is a co-owner of the supplement company Dorian Yates Ultimate Formulas.

Interview with Dorian Yates

Interview with Dorian Yates

About the Bodypower Expo

Kenneth: “Looking at days like these, a busy fitness fair now in Birmingham, your ‘hometown’…” Dorian: Yes, the people from Bodypower approached me a few years ago. It’s a company that organizes fairs, and they actually didn’t know much about this industry. They hired me as an advisor for three years to help them enter this market. And to be honest, I was surprised at how quickly the show became a success. I thought it would take a few years, but the first year was already a great success. It’s hard to imagine because when I started bodybuilding in the 80s in Birmingham…. To then think that you would have a global expo here with all the stars coming to Birmingham. That is unbelievable and shows how the industry has grown.” Kenneth: “I heard you in an interview saying that there were maybe three or four small gyms (ed. in a city of 2.6 million inhabitants).” Dorian: “Yes, exactly. When I started, it wasn’t the big industry it is now. It was purely bodybuilding, and now bodybuilding is just part of it. The scene is now more focused on fitness in general. But back then, there were indeed only a few gyms. It’s great that I don’t have to fly to attend an expo like this now.”

About Dorian’s youth and start as a bodybuilder

(I once read that Dorian started training to be more resilient during his stay in juvenile detention and ask about it:) Kenneth: “Looking back on your start as a bodybuilder. Did it start after an altercation with the law as was the case with Arnold?” Dorian: “Yes, it was. It was actually the fact that I ended up in a detention center for six months as a teenager. I was 12 years old and moved to Birmingham from a small village. I started high school in Birmingham and got into a lot of trouble there, things that you shouldn’t get into as a kid. I was sentenced to six months. And that’s where I started training.” “When I came out, I had built up a lot of strength. I think I was the strongest of all the guys in the institution. But it was the best thing that could have happened to me, in hindsight, because it was a turning point in my life. I remember thinking, ‘I’m never coming back here again. I’m going to do something with my life.'”

About Dorian’s vision on the fitness industry

Kenneth: “It seems like it has become a lot more social, doesn’t it?” Dorian: “It has, indeed. Look around; there are just as many women as men at these shows. The gym used to be a domain for men only, but now women are doing it as well. They want to look good and feel good, which is great. And, of course, with the rise of social media, everyone wants to look their best.” “It’s also become more about health, which is a good thing. It’s not just about getting bigger and stronger. It’s about feeling good and being healthy, and that’s something I fully support.” Kenneth: “And the emphasis has shifted from bodybuilding to fitness, right?” Dorian: “Yes, definitely. I think bodybuilding is just one aspect of fitness. It’s the extreme end of the spectrum. But fitness is more about general health and well-being. It’s about being fit and healthy, both physically and mentally.” “I think people are starting to realize that it’s not just about how you look on the outside but also how you feel on the inside. And that’s something that’s becoming more important in today’s society.”

About Dorian’s future plans

Kenneth: “And what are your plans for the future? Do you have any new projects in the pipeline?” Dorian: “Yes, I’m always working on new projects. Right now, I’m focused on growing my supplement company, Dorian Yates Ultimate Formulas. We’re constantly developing new products and expanding our range.” “I’m also involved in various charity projects, which is something I’m very passionate about. I think it’s important to give back and help those in need.” “And, of course, I’m still training and staying in shape. Fitness has been a huge part of my life for so long, and I don’t see that changing anytime soon.” Kenneth: “Great to hear. Thank you for taking the time to speak with us, Dorian.” Dorian: “My pleasure. Thanks for having me.”