Dorian Yates won six Mr. Olympia contests consecutively from 1992 to 1997. One of the few non-American Mr. Olympia winners, Yates, had a unique approach to bodybuilding. From following the high-intensity training philosophy to mental techniques, Yates left no stone unturned. Before Ronnie Coleman, the Englishman pushed the envelope of the sport.

During an interview with Generation Iron, Yates explained the mindset with which he prepared for the Mr. Olympia contest every year. He explained what gave him the edge over someone who might have had better genetics than the six-time champion.

How Dorian Yates dominated the biggest stage in bodybuilding

“Do you think you have to be a little bit crazy to be a bodybuilder?” Generation Iron asked Dorian during the interview. “I think you have to be a little bit crazy to be extremely good at anything,” answered Yates. He explained an average mindset isn’t enough to become the best in any sport, and bodybuilding is no different.

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“So you have to have an extraordinary amount of determination and passion,” said Yates. The Birmingham native used his insane mental resilience to push his body beyond its limit while preparing for the Mr. Olympia contest. He explained bodybuilding has two aspects: physical and mental. While physical potential is necessary, a champion must have “The mental drive.”

During the interview, Yates explained an outstanding champion combines physical potential and mental drive to the best of their ability. The six-time Mr. Olympia even said a competitor with more determination defeats the competitor with better physical potential. 

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Yate’s insane determination also translated into his training philosophy. A proponent of high-intensity training, Dorian followed the method of bodybuilding legend Mike Mentzer popularized. While most bodybuilders spent hours working out at the gym, Yates’s sessions didn’t last for hours. Instead of volume, Yates focused on alienating between intense training and rest.

His mental drive conquered genetic potential

Dorian Yates lived up to his claim of mental drive, defeating physical potential multiple times. Many fans and bodybuilders believe Flex Wheeler was the greatest bodybuilder who never won the Mr. Olympia title. He earned the nickname “Sultan of Symmetry” because of his insane genetics, and Dorian believed Flex had “more natural talent.”

However, in an interview, Yates said he had more “mental tenacity” than Flex. While he didn’t have Flex’s symmetry, Dorian said he never slipped up during prep.

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Do you agree with Dorian Yates? Do you also believe determination can trump genetics on stage?