Dorian Yates has always been proud of his cut, even averaging 260 pounds during his Olympia shows, but in a recent Instagram post, “The Shadow” took his two million Instagram followers on a journey, revealing that in 1997, the big man was bigger than ever.
“It was the scariest and heaviest I’ve ever been,” Yates said as she shared a powerful video of her epic stunt. “I have to say I was even surprised by the size and condition here! I weighed 310 pounds here and I was in pretty good shape for that weight.
A health crisis that almost stopped Yeats in 1997
1997 started much like Yates’ previous campaigns, and having won the Mr. Olympia title every year since 1992, there was no reason to think that a sixth consecutive title would be another outing. Those thoughts were soon put to rest, however, when “The Shadow” suffered a serious medical emergency as the most prestigious show in bodybuilding drew to a close. “…Unfortunately, six weeks out, I suffered internal bleeding and spent four days in the hospital and needed two transfusions,” Yates said of his precarious situation. “… it was because of an anti-inflammatory drug,” he said.
Of course, with Yeats in the background Blood and Guts ThinkingThe Olympic figure had no intention of bowing out, but this would not be the only serious defeat that this master of muscles had to endure. “Three weeks later, I tore my triceps! No excuses, it just happened,” Yates reflected.
Incredibly, the buzzy Brit not only made it to the 1997 Olympic stage, he won his sixth consecutive Mr. Olympia trophy in the process. “So it was a miracle that I even got on stage because those failures were huge,” said the legend. “But I’m proud of myself for digging deep and competing… and winning!”
He went through hell to win the 1997 Olympic title. from superstar competitors such as Nasser El Sonbati, Sean Ray, Paul Dillet and Lee Priest, Yates was forgiven for receiving his $110,000 prize and taking a break from the stage. Instead, the working hero fulfilled his obligations to the guest and gave fans an idea of what his most terrible body would be.
How Dorian Yates won Mr. Olympia back in 1997
“From this video, you can see what progress was and what could have happened,” said Mr Olympia, who retired later that year. “I think I could break at 280 pounds, but I guess we’ll never know, and that’s with regret.”
With a growing list of injuries caused by wear and tear, including back and shoulder problems, Yates quickly became an influential figure in the training and supplement world. “But it’s interesting to look back and show you what could have been,” he said, noting that his greatest strength was during his final days in the competitive bodybuilding industry. “My energy was through the roof,” he said. “I was going through my notebooks to see what number I was picking up.”
- Types of hammer power: 300 lbs / 150 kg
- Barbell Rows: 425 lbs / 192 kg
- Strong Hammer Rows: 275 lbs / 125 kg
- Incline Hammer Press: 485 lbs / 220 kg
- Click the legs: 1,157 lbs / 525 kg
Leg press exercises:
-
- 24×20 = 480
- 2 x 10 = 20
- weight of the car = 25
- total = 525 kg
With his size and determination to be the best on stage, Dorian Yates holds a special place in the hearts of millions of veteran bodybuilding fans. “Dorian, you are a genius. Your exercises help me so much,” commented one amazed IG follower. “These numbers are sad,” added another.
To follow Dorian Yates on Instagram, Click here.
