Dorian Yates English professional bodybuilder Date of Birth: 19.04.1962 Country: Great Britain

1. Biography of Dorian Yates
2. Achievements and Career
3. The Shadow
4. Entrepreneurship and Post-Competitive Career

Biography of Dorian Yates

Dorian Andrew Mientjez Yates, an English professional bodybuilder, is renowned for his remarkable victories in 6 consecutive "Mr. Olympia" competitions. Born on April 19, 1962, in Staffordshire, England, Yates earned the nickname "The Shadow" due to his aversion to publicity and his elusive nature. He is considered one of the most outstanding athletes in modern bodybuilding history.

Achievements and Career

Yates boasts an impressive record of 15 major tournament victories and 2 runner-up positions. However, his career came to an end due to a series of serious injuries, including bicep and tricep tears. Despite these setbacks, Yates managed to win his final major tournament, "Mr. Olympia 1997," just three weeks after sustaining a significant injury.

Yates was known for his unique training style, popularizing the High-Intensity Training (HIT) technique. This approach emphasized maximum muscle stimulation through short, intense sets. In contrast to the prevailing method of long training sessions, HIT was popularized by Mike Mentzer.

The Shadow

Yates earned his nickname "The Shadow" through his unconventional appearances at major sporting events. He would suddenly appear, win a brilliant victory, and then retreat from the public eye. These periods of "disappearance" could last for an extended period, but eventually, Yates would return to claim unexpected and impressive triumphs. He deliberately avoided interviews and television appearances, rejecting several lucrative advertising offers from leading food supplement manufacturers.

Entrepreneurship and Post-Competitive Career

After retiring from professional bodybuilding due to injuries, Yates remained involved in the world of sports. In 1987, he purchased "Temple Gym" in Birmingham, England. In 2006, he opened four additional gyms under the same franchise, with three located in the United Kingdom.

In 1994, Yates founded "Heavy Duty Incorporated" in California, along with Mike Mentzer and Ray Mentzer. The company produced sportswear and books on bodybuilding and related topics. In 1998, Yates partnered with Kerry Kayes to establish "CNP Professional," manufacturing food supplements approved by Yates. In 2006, he left the company to start his own enterprise, "Dorian Yates Ultimate Formulas," producing protein supplements and mass gain products. In 2010, Yates launched "EU Peptides," focusing on hormone-related medications.

His most recent venture, "DY Nutrition," was founded in 2011, primarily dedicated to pre-workout formulas and training DVDs. Yates has become an active promoter of seminars and lectures worldwide, focusing on proper nutrition and bodybuilding. He sells training videos and actively engages with his fans through his official website. Yates is also known for his advocacy of alternative cancer treatment methods, including promoting and endorsing hemp oil. Furthermore, his political views have sparked controversy, as he called for a new investigation into the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

In a 2013 interview, Yates openly admitted to using various psychedelic substances, including the indigenous drink "ayahuasca," for spiritual and religious purposes.

In 1993, Yates released his autobiography, "Blood and Guts," followed by a training video with the same title three years later, showcasing his weekly training routine.