Dorian Yates

Dorian Yates

• D.O.B. April 19, 1962
• Place of Birth: Hurley, Staffordshire, England
• Nickname: "The Shadow"

Peak Measurements

The measurements of Dorian Yates in his bodybuilding prime are not verified:

• Height: 5'10"
• Competition Weight: 268 lbs (122kg)
• Off Season Weight: 308 lbs (140kg)
• Arms: 21 inches (53.34cm)
• Calves: 21 inches (53.34cm)
• Chest: 57 inches (144.78cm)
• Thigh: 32 inches (81.28cm)
• Waist: 34 inches (86.36cm)

Photos

(Pictured Below) Dorian Yates (Posing & Training)

Note: These are large images, so be patient

Bio

Dorian Andrew Mientjez Yates - born April 19, 1962 in Hurley, Staffordshire, England is a former English pro bodybuilder and 6 time Mr. Olympia winner. He is England's best Bodybuilder ever and has the titles to prove it.

Bodybuilding Career

In 1991, (Orlando, Florida USA), Dorian Yates made his Mr. Olympia debut where he placed 2nd overall in the competition. Next year, the British bodybuilder would make his return, and engrave his name in Bodybuilding history.

Dorian Yates Era Begins

In 1992, Helsinki, Finland, Yates won his first Mr. Olympia title, ending the Lee Haney era of 8 consecutive Mr Olympia wins. Dorian went on to win Mr. Olympia 6 consecutive times from 1992 - 1997, ranking 3rd for most overall Olympia wins. Yates retired in 1997 after a triceps injury. Ronnie Coleman became Dorian Yates' successor in 1998, and took the throne as the new king of back development.

Yates is often regarded as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, mainly due to his remarkable muscular development of his back. Dorian Yates' started his own era, introducing back muscles that were thicker and more developed than anyone had ever seen before. The British bodybuilder was easily bested from the front by bodybuilders such as Flex Wheeler and Kevin Levrone, but as soon as Yates turned around it was Game Over - his back was that good. On stage, Dorian was one of the hardest, well conditioned, and solid looking bodybuilders of his era - he was impossible to beat. Yates also had some of the best calves - only being bested by Mike Matarazzo, who had bigger calves than Dorian.

Controversial Wins

Some of Dorian Yates wins were much debated considering the other bodybuilders he was competing against. Many people believe that Kevin Levrone should have won in 1995, and Dorian should not have placed higher than Shawn Ray and Flex Wheeler. Dorian Yate's was still in great shape and deserved to place high, but some say that he didn't deserve all six titles.

It's said that defending Olympia title winners have it easier with the judges than than newcomers. Based on the history of Olympia, that's quite easy to believe considering the controversial 1980 Arnold Schwarzenegger win.

Injuries

Dorian Yates major injuries included a torn left biceps and a torn left triceps that transpired 3 weeks prior to the 1997 Mr. Olympia. Yates opted out of surgery and went on to compete in his final Mr. Olympia in 1997. At the time, he wasn't sure if his triceps would hold up during the contest, but they did, and he won. Dorian Yates' injuries are speculated to have stemmed from his training routine, consisting of HIT - High Intensity Training that is comprised of low volume, high intensity reps.

Bodybuilding Highlights

• Dorian Yates IFBB Contest Wins: 15
• Dorian Yates Olympia Wins: 6
• Dorian Yates Olympia Appearances: 7

Contest History

• 1984 Mr. Birmingham novice (1st)
• 1985 Novice West Coast - England (1st)
• 1985 World Gamesv-vamateur (7th)
• 1986 EFBB British HW - London (1st)
• 1988 British Championships (1st)
• 1990 Night of Champions (2nd)
• 1991 Night of Champions (1st)
• 1991 Mr. Olympia (2nd)
• 1991 English Grand Prix (1st)
• 1992 Mr. Olympia (1st)
• 1992 English Grand Prix (1st)
• 1993 Mr. Olympia (1st)
• 1994 Mr. Olympia (1st)
• 1994 Spanish Grand Prix (1st)
• 1994 German Grand Prix (1st)
• 1994 English Grand Prix (1st)
• 1995 Mr. Olympia (1st)
• 1996 Mr. Olympia (1st)
• 1996 Spanish Grand Prix (1st)
• 1996 German Grand Prix (1st)
• 1996 English Grand Prix (1st)
• 1997 Mr. Olympia (1st)

Interesting Facts

When was Dorian Yates born
Dorian Yates was born April 19, 1962.

Where was Dorian Yates born?
Dorian Andrew Mientjez Yates was born in Hurley, Staffordshire, England

How Tall is Dorian Yates?
5 ft 10 inches

How much did Dorian Yates weigh?
Dorian Yates's weight was approximately 270 lbs during contests, while his off-season weight was approximately 265 lbs.

How big are Dorian Yates's arms?
Dorian Yates's arms were 21 inches. (Competition)

What is Dorian Yates's waist size?
Dorian Yates's waist size was 34 inches. (Competition)

How big were Dorian Yates's thighs?
Dorian Yates's thighs measured a size of 32 inches. (Competition)

How big are Dorian Yates's calves?
Dorian Yates's calf size measured 21 inches. (Competition)

How big is Dorian Yates's neck?
Dorian Yates's neck size: (Unknown) inches (Competition)

How big was Dorian Yates's chest?
Dorian Yates's chest measurement was 57 inches. (Competition)

Workout & Diet

Dorian did not have an off-season, or competition diet. He measured his food year round. Here's what he said in an interview.

Q: Did you change your workouts when you were dieting for a show, as opposed to not dieting?
A: "No, I didn't change them at all. That's the kind of training that was building the muscle; that's the type of training that would keep it there. To me, getting into shape for a competition is just a matter of reducing your bodyfat. Weight training is not an effective tool for that, so I relied on reducing my caloric intake and doing more cardio over a reasonably long period like twelve or thirteen weeks."

"Stay away from foods high in fat and complex carbohydrates such as pasta, potatoes, breads, etc. when your goal is to lose bodyfat or drop a few pounds. Drink plenty of water during the day. The recommended amount is eight 8 oz. Glasses daily."

Did Yates Use Steroids?

There are no records of Dorian Yates ever admitting to using steroids, but Dorian said in an interview with t-nation - "Enhancement, well, that's a matter of opinion really, isn't it? We all know pro bodybuilders use steroids, growth hormone, all that, but that's just enhancing your ability to synthesize protein, recover from your training and so on. You still have to have the God-given genetic ability. You still have to go into the gym and train. You're just enhancing your natural ability with those types of things."