In the ever-evolving landscape of bodybuilding, where aesthetics and muscle definition take center stage. Each athlete’s journey becomes a unique tale of dedication, sacrifice, and transformation. One such iconic figure who left an indelible mark on the sport is the legendary six-time Mr. Olympia, Dorian Yates. Renowned for his mass and shredded physique, he candidly describes a time when his appearance was more than just a testament to his muscular prowess; it was akin to being a “walking skull.”

Yates, who redefined the open-category physique, recently shared a surprising revelation about his past appearance. In a snippet from his interview on the Muscle Mind Media YouTube channel, The Shadow admitted to having a rather intimidating look during his competition days.

Dorian Yates’ revelation of his skull-like physique

In his recent YouTube video, he described himself, “Yeah I used to scare people man with my face like was a walking skull.” Yates opened up about the reactions he used to elicit from people. He recalled how his extreme leanness made his face appear skeletal, a sight that wasn’t the norm among competitors today. Yates took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about the unique atmosphere at bodybuilding contests in his era.

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During these events, competitors would gather for a pre-competition meeting, donning their tracksuits and awaiting their turn to draw numbers and receive instructions. The 60-year-old highlighted the unspoken communication that occurred as everyone scrutinized each other’s faces.

According to him, the facial expressions often served as a preview of the body’s condition. “If the guy’s a bit puffing ah he off he’s off but when I used to turn up I usually literally used to have sinews like in my jaw,” stated Yates. Even a slight puffiness or off look could indicate a competitor being not at their best.

Yates admits he had a scary look in his heyday

What set Yates apart was the extreme level of leanness he achieved. He vividly described the sinews visible in his jaw, a testament to the razor-sharp definition of his facial muscles. As he put it, “The muscles in my face were so lean that you could only see the muscles in my face,” His eyes were sunken, adding an eerie quality to his overall appearance.

ALSO READ: 3 Decades Later, Bodybuilding Legend Who Took Home 6 Sandow Trophies Confesses Why He “Never Had a Coach”

With his walking skull persona, Yates left an indelible mark on the sport, showcasing a level of leanness and intensity that remains etched in the memories of those who witnessed it.

WATCH THIS STORY: 6X Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates Reveals Why He Once Turned Down A Life-changing Offer From Bodybuilding Legend Tom Platz