In his well-deserved retirement, Yates seems torn.
In the 1990s, Michael Jordan’s Chicago Bulls captivated the team sports world with a mighty six NBA championships in eight years, while Dorian Yates was simultaneously writing chapter after chapter of his own dynasty. From 1992-1997, The English bodybuilder captured six consecutive Mr. Olympia titles. To establish his royalty, Yates outlasted legends such as four-time Arnold Classic winner Ken “Flex” Wheeler (1993, 1997-1998, 2000), 1985 Mister Universe Lee Labrada, and perhaps the ultimate competitor in the history of the sport. Eight-time Mr. Olympia (1998-2005) Ronnie Coleman.
Years after Yates trained to have the world’s best physique when he was last on stage, it looks like he remains in tip-top shape. On January 10, 2023, Yates posted to her Instagram profile a picture of herself with her arms outstretched and her neck raised, drenching her body like a small waterfall from Tijuca National Park in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It is not clear when exactly Yates captured the image. Nevertheless, his current physique – especially for a man who will turn 60 in April 2022 – is something to behold.
From his ripped abs and chest to his tightly knit arms, it’s clear that Yates still makes a point of taking care of himself.
Aside from showing off his physique, Yates uses the photo in the “world’s largest urban jungle” in part as a symbolic message of positivity and keeping eyes forward and keeping clean. It’s a potentially relevant note to encourage others starting fresh in the new year, especially those like Yates, who has roughly 1.4 million followers on her Instagram.
“Get rid of all fear and negativity,” wrote Yates. “Gratitude is the ultimate state of acceptance.”
After his prolific Olympia run from 1992-1997, Yates formally stepped away from the sport of bodybuilding and began a well-earned retirement in his mid-30s. In November 2022, the legend posted on Instagram and discussed how motivated he was to become one of the greatest bodybuilders in his career as a focused mission. At the same time, Yeats referred to a lifestyle in which he did not have to push himself at the expense of his physical, mental and emotional health. He is now actively involved in the nutritional supplement business, notably creating the DY Nutrition Company in 2011, which releases Yates-created supplements and occasional training guidance videos.
The legendary athlete is married to another veteran bodybuilder, Gal Ferreira Yates, who is the 2007 South American Champion and 2007 Figure Brazilian winner. The fitness couple are primarily based in Spain, although Yates’ appearance in Rio de Janeiro suggests he spends a lot of time in his wife’s native Brazil.
With his place in bodybuilding history secure, the world seems to be Yates’ oyster. He can make it what he likes. That he is passionately involved in strength and fitness and that he is in a position to reflect on his past is a fitting testament to his personal growth in retirement.
Featured Image: @thedorianyates on Instagram
