<\/p>\n
Dorian Yates has always prided himself on being shredded, even with an average weight of 260 pounds during his Olympia performances, but in a recent Instagram post, \u201cThe Shadow\u201d took his two million Instagram followers on a trip down memory lane and recounted how, in 1997, the big man was bigger than ever.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis was the most monstrous, heaviest I\u2019ve ever been,\u201d explained Yates while sharing a grainy video of his epic stature. \u201cI have to say, even I\u2019m impressed with the size and condition here! I was 310 pounds here and in pretty good condition for that weight.<\/p>\n
1997 has started out much like Yates\u2019 previous other 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 a different journey. Those thoughts were soon laid to rest, however, when \u201cThe Shadow\u201d suffered with a debilitating medical mishap as bodybuilding\u2019s most prestigious show approached. \u201c\u2026Unfortunately, six weeks out, I suffered from internal bleeding and was hospitalised for four days and needed two transfusions,\u201d explained Yates of his perilous predicament. \u201c\u2026it was due to a prescribed anti-inflammatory,\u201d he revealed.<\/p>\n
Of course, with Yates being the voice behind the \u201cBlood & Guts\u201d mindset<\/a>, the Olympia icon had no intention of bowing out, still, that wouldn\u2019t be the only major setback that this master of muscle would be required to endure. \u201cThree weeks later, I tore my triceps! No excuses, it\u2019s what happened,\u201d reflected Yates.<\/p>\n Incredibly, the buff Brit didn\u2019t just make it to the 1997 Olympia stage, he captured his sixth consecutive Mr. Olympia trophy in the process. \u201cSo, it was nothing short of a miracle that I even got on stage, because these setbacks were enormous,\u201d shared the legend. \u201cBut I am proud of myself for digging deep and competing\u2026 and winning!\u201d<\/p>\n Having gone through hell to win the 1997 Olympia title, fending off superstar contenders like Nasser El Sonbaty, Shawn Ray, Paul Dillett, and Lee Priest,<\/a> Yates would have been forgiven for taking his $110K in prize money, and taking a well-earned break from the stage. Instead, the working champion fulfilled his guest posing obligations and gave fans a glimpse of what would become his most monstrous physique ever.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom this video, you can see what was in progress and what could\u2019ve happened,\u201d stated the six-time Mr. Olympia, who retired that same year. \u201cI think I could have been shredded at 280-pounds, I reckon, but I guess we\u2019ll never know, and that\u2019s said with no regrets.\u201d<\/p>\n With a growing list of injuries brought about by the wear and tear of the grind, including back and shoulder issues, Yates soon became an influential figure in the coaching and supplementation worlds. \u201cBut it is interesting to look back and show you guys what could\u2019ve happened,\u201d he reminisced, noting that his strength was at an all time during his final days in the competitive bodybuilding industry. \u201cMy strength was through the roof,\u201d he said. \u201cI was going through my logbooks to see what kind of number I was lifting.\u201d<\/p>\n Leg press workings:<\/strong><\/p>\n With his size and determination to being the best that he could be on stage, Dorian Yates holds a special place in the hearts of millions of old-school bodybuilding fans. \u201cDorian, you a genius. Your workouts help me a lot,\u201d commented one of his impressed IG followers. \u201cThose numbers are bonkers,\u201d added another.<\/p>\n To follow Dorian Yates on Instagram, click here.<\/a>\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\nHow Dorian Yates Still Won the 1997 Mr. Olympia<\/h2>\n
\n
\n
\n