"Masters, stop comparing yourself to younger athletes"
Masters Series Ep.3 with Sibel Osman: The Do's and Don'ts of Competing as a Masters Athlete
SIBEL OSMAN'S message to Masters bodybuilders is blunt: stop comparing yourself to the younger athletes. "Apples and oranges," she says. "You're not the same. The end."
In Episode 3 of the Masters Series on FrontDouble.com, Osman lays out the mistakes she sees Masters competitors make time and again, starting with amateurs who pose like pros. Copying a pro's routine, she warns, only costs points.
Her sharpest words are reserved for Masters athletes who believe they can step into an open category and beat 20-year-olds outright. "It's not your stage," she says. "Stay in your lane, stay on your stage." Masters divisions exist precisely because the physique expectations at 45-plus are not the same as at 20 – and no amount of self-belief changes that.
Osman practices what she preaches, she says, routinely asking head judges after competing whether she would stand a chance in an open category – and getting the same tactful answer every time: technically yes, but it isn't her stage.
On the "do" side, Osman points to the details that decide close results: skin quality, tan preparation and grooming that suits the category. As skin naturally loosens with age, she says, it can become the deciding factor when judges are splitting near-identical physiques.
Her final piece of advice is patience. Don't rush to the stage before you're ready, she says. There are shows all year and half-hearted prep after months of hard work and expense does nobody justice.
Masters Series Ep.2: "We are not taken as seriously as we should be"
Sibel Osman confronts the perception gap facing Masters bodybuilding, what judges expect, why age doesn't excuse anything and why standing on stage isn't the same as winning.
THERE'S a perception problem in Masters bodybuilding and Sibel Osman isn't here to tiptoe around it. In Episode 2 of the Masters Series on FrontDouble.com, she tackles it head-on: Masters athletes are not taken as seriously as they should be – and it's time that changed.
There's a gap between what people expect from Masters competitors and what these athletes actually bring to the stage. Too often, the assumption is that Masters is a more forgiving version of the sport. Sibel dismantles that. The demands genuinely shift depending on age – what's achievable, how the body responds to prep – and acknowledging that isn't making excuses, it's understanding the sport honestly.
Then she gets specific: what do judges actually expect from a seasoned Masters athlete? Not a backstory. Not a reason to be cut slack. Physique. That's the job. Judging isn't about crowning whoever's overcome the most, or whoever's the oldest on the line-up; it's not a sympathy vote. Every athlete has faced obstacles to get on stage. Judges aren't scoring your journey; they're scoring what's standing in front of them.
Here's the line Sibel wants every Masters athlete to sit with: the sport has no age cap. That cuts both ways – Masters athletes deserve the same standard of excellence as anyone else on stage, but that means showing up with the mindset to match. That's the shift she's pushing for: standing shoulder-to-shoulder with exceptionally conditioned, seasoned athletes as a genuinely competitive field, not "the older category".
The hardest truth: just because you stand on stage doesn't mean you're owed a win. Respect is earned the same way it's earned everywhere else – through the work, the conditioning, and showing up better, every time.
Decorated Masters Bikini Pro Sibel Osman joins FrontDouble.com to give Masters bodybuilding the spotlight it has long deserved
SIBEL OSMAN, a decorated Masters Bikini Pro and passionate advocate for the often-overlooked Masters division, brings her 30 plus years of hard-earned experience to FrontDouble.com.
A British champion, French champion, ACP UK President and multiple-time top placer on the European stage, Sibel is the perfect voice to spotlight this dynamic area of the sport.
For too long, Masters athletes – both amateur and pro – have received limited coverage and recognition. Sibel is changing that.
In this new Masters Series for FrontDouble – the UK's leading independent bodybuilding platform – she shines a light on the realities of competing later in life, tackling common misconceptions head-on with hard facts, personal insights and no-nonsense truths.
From training and posing across federations, to mindset, judging criteria, staying in your lane and overcoming obstacles, these segments deliver eye-opening value for athletes, coaches and fans alike.
This is just the beginning. Watch Episode 1 of the Masters Series below. More big topics, truths and recognition for Masters bodybuilding coming soon.
Samson Dauda: From UK beginner to Mr Olympia champion
Long-time friend Chris Jones pays tribute as 2024 Mr Olympia marks a milestone birthday
By Gary Chappell
Samson Dauda is one of the biggest names in modern bodybuilding – and his rise to Mr Olympia champion has been years in the making.
He turned 40 on March 11 2026 in a milestone that feels almost surreal for those who remember the early days of his bodybuilding journey.
Because long before the Olympia title in 2024, the Arnold Classic victory and guest appearances around the world, Dauda was simply a young man walking into a UK gym with a modest ambition.
Early beginnings
As long-time friend and former NABBA Mr Universe Chris Jones recalls, when they first met back in 2009, Dauda’s goal was not world domination. It was something far simpler.
“I just want to get a bit bigger and put on a bit of muscle,” Dauda had said humbly back then.
Few sentences in bodybuilding history have aged quite like that one.
Samson Dauda at 40
Jones, who helped Dauda begin his journey during those early years and who has stayed close ever since, paid tribute to the champion in a heartfelt message marking his friend’s birthday.
“Happy 40th Birthday to my good friend Samson Dauda – the most humble and greatest champion I have ever had the privilege to know,” wrote Jones on his instagram account.
“It seems crazy to see just how far you have come ever since we first met back in 2009 at my old gym and you said those famous words – 'I just want to get a bit bigger and put on a bit of muscle'. Well you have certainly done that and then some.
“We have shared so many special moments through the years, through all the training sessions, the competitions on the amateur circuit, the contest preps, the triumphs and also the disappointments, which have all cemented our friendship.
“I cannot tell you just how proud I am of you and all that you have achieved and how you continue to be such a great ambassador for this sport.”
The long road to the top
Dauda’s rise did not happen overnight. Like many of Britain’s best bodybuilders, his career was built through years of amateur competition, incremental progress and relentless training long before the global spotlight arrived.
He eventually earned his IFBB Pro League status in 2017, winning the overall title at the Diamond Cup in Rome. After that, he steadily climbed the ranks of professional bodybuilding, winning the Arnold Classic in 2023 and becoming known for his immense structure, flowing muscle bellies and stage presence.
But the biggest chapter of the story came in recent years.
After pushing competitors close on the international stage, Dauda ultimately reached bodybuilding’s summit when he won the Mr Olympia title in 2024, becoming only the second British bodybuilder to win that crown.
For Dauda himself, the moment carried a deeply personal significance. In an article on Frontdouble following the victory, he described the achievement in simple terms: “This is a dream come true.”
For those who have known Dauda longest, however, the most remarkable thing about his journey is not the trophies.
It is that, by most accounts, the man himself has changed very little.
Despite reaching the pinnacle of professional bodybuilding, he continues to be widely regarded as one of the most approachable and grounded figures in the sport.
Jones’ birthday tribute reflects that sentiment, describing not just a champion, but a friend.
“Here is to you my friend, your legacy and your future and your happiness. I wish you a very happy birthday indeed.”
At 40 years old, Dauda now hopes to bring his best package yet to this year's Mr Olympia, with recent social media posts and guest spots showing that the mass absent from last year's competition is well and truly back.
And if his career so far has shown anything, it is that the journey which began with a simple desire to “put on a bit of muscle” has become something far bigger than anyone in that gym back in 2009 could have imagined.
IBFA split explained: Matthew Ali reveals why UK bodybuilding fed broke away
In an exclusive interview, IBFA UK president Matthew Ali outlines the governance issues, declining standards and disputed incident he says led to the split
By Gary Chappell
IBFA UK president Matthew Ali claims the IBFA split was rooted in governance failures, declining international standards and a breakdown in trust following an alleged serious conduct incident at last season’s British Championships.
Ali says the move towards independence began not as an act of defiance, but as a practical necessity.
In order to open a community bank account and formalise UK operations, Ali says he was required to register an entity in his own name. That process, completed in October, led to the registration of the Independent Bodybuilding Fitness Association UK, while continuing to operate domestically under the IBFA UK banner.
Ali said: “The ‘independent’ part didn’t start as a breakaway. It started because I needed to open a proper bank account. To do that, I had to register a name and I wasn’t prepared to run UK shows through someone else’s identity.”
Allegations of misconduct at British Championships
According to Ali, tensions escalated following an incident at last season’s British Championships in Blackpool, involving a German-linked sponsor.
Ali alleges the individual became intoxicated, accused judges of fixing results, and caused distress backstage. He says he initially attempted to defuse the situation and allowed the individual to remain at the event and present trophies.
Ali said: “The guy in question was Kyle Vice. His father, Terry, competed in the show and came second. Kyle went backstage and started screaming and shouting about the result, saying we had fixed it. Kyle’s father said, ‘Listen, stop, I’m happy with the result, stop acting like this.’ But Kyle was saying, ‘No, no, Martin [Yates Brown] fixed it.’
“I asked Kyle what was going on and he said, ‘Let’s go outside. You’ve got a problem because I’m IBFA Germany.’”
Allegations: Matthew Ali
Ali says the individual was removed from the venue but later asked to return after apologising. “Security told me he was outside saying he was sorry, so I let him back in and allowed him to present the trophies for the class he sponsored.
“But after the show, people started messaging me saying they were really offended by what had gone on. So Martyn [honorary president Martyn Yates Brown] and I spoke and decided we had to make an example of it. That’s when we issued a lifetime ban.”
Ali says that ban was not well received internationally. “They told me it had to be discussed with other countries,” he said. “That’s when things started to change.”
Concerns over international standards
Ali also raised concerns about standards at recent international events, including the World Championships in Rome, which he says featured fewer than 30 competitors – nearly half of them from the UK.
He claims UK athletes were returning unimpressed, which he believes damaged the credibility of domestic titles.
Ali said: “When I went to the World Championships in Rome there were about 20 to 30 competitors in total – 12 of them were mine. Without the UK team there wouldn’t have been a show. There were people doing a class where they were the only competitor in it. I said it was devaluing the federation. In Britain, any one of my overall winners could take the Worlds easily.
“Without the 12 athletes we brought over, there wouldn’t have been a show. There was even one guy who did six or so classes.”
Ali also criticised the quality of trophies used at the IBFA Worlds and Universe. “Another bit of feedback I gave them was that they give women trophies of men,” he said. “Women don’t want a man’s trophy. Temugin [Filizola, of IBFA Italy] said, ‘Women like the trophies,’ but I told him I’d spoken to my athletes and they don’t.
“They’re made of Plaster of Paris – you make them yourself – and sometimes they crumble or break in people’s hands.”
Rejected proposals and breakdown in communication
Ali says he repeatedly offered to help rebuild the international calendar by hosting a Universe competition in the UK, saying he could guarantee strong numbers and support from British athletes. He claims those proposals were rejected, which he says further contributed to the IBFA split.
Instead, Ali says he was offered the opportunity to host a World Championships in France in 2027, but only if he cancelled his independently organised UK Universe.
“That’s where it stopped making sense to me,” he said. “If I’m trusted to host a world championship in another country, why can’t I host my own independent show at home? I also said I would still support their finals and bring the biggest team of all countries.”
Ali claims he later received a message from Temugin Filizola stating this was the final offer.
“He said, ‘Cancel the Universe and I can give you the World Championships in France in autumn 2027.’
“Why would I want a show in France in 2027? I don’t know anyone there. I can’t put a big show on. I told him I was already registered as independent – he knew that – and that I was going to run the Mr Universe as an independent show and still bring a team to them.
“My shows in the UK have no impact on theirs in Sapri or Rome. We bring them the most athletes. The Universe on July 12 in Cardiff will go ahead as an independent competition.”
Ali claims Filizola responded with an angry-face emoji.
After refusing to cancel the UK-based Universe, Ali says communication broke down. He claims he was blocked by international officials and later became aware of social media posts announcing Kenneth Brown as president of IBFA UK, the position Ali held.
Cease and desist notices followed, along with public confirmation that IBFA UK had been registered in October as the Independent Bodybuilding Fitness Association UK.
Shortly afterwards, the Italy-based federation launched IBFA GB, formally establishing a separate UK pathway.
Ali insists the split was not about walking away, but about being prevented from building what he believes the federation needed to survive.
“This wasn’t me going off and doing my own thing,” he said. “I was trying to raise standards, grow numbers and protect what we’d built in the UK.”
IBFA GB declined to respond to the claims outlined in this interview.
In correspondence with Frontdouble, a representative writing on behalf of IBFA GB said: “We offer absolutely zero response to the matter in question and will not respond to Matthew’s claims.”
Temugin Filizola of the Italy-based IBFA and IBFA GB secretary Kyle Vice were both contacted for comment. At the time of publication, no response had been received.
All allegations referenced in this article are attributed claims made by Matthew Ali during an interview with Frontdouble.com. No findings of wrongdoing are asserted as fact.
Italy-based federation reveals IBFA GB amid UK split
Now there will be TWO IBFA federations in the UK this season
By Gary Chappell
THE ongoing dispute between IBFA UK and its former international parent organisation has entered a new phase following the launch of a separate UK entity – IBFA GB – by the Italy-based International Bodybuilding Fitness Association.
As previously reported by FrontDouble, IBFA UK president Matthew Ali has confirmed that his organisation is no longer affiliated with the international federation and is now operating as the Independent Bodybuilding Fitness Association UK, while continuing to use the acronym “IBFA UK”.
Ali has rejected claims that control of IBFA UK has changed hands and has warned of potential legal action over what he describes as unauthorised use of the UK designation.
Italy-based IBFA launches IBFA GB
In response to the split, the international federation has now launched IBFA GB, effectively establishing a separate British entity operating independently of Ali’s organisation.
The move appears to formalise what had previously been an internal governance dispute into a clear structural separation, with two distinct federations now operating in the UK under similar branding but different titles.
IBFA GB issued a statement on Saturday, January 17, which read:
IBFA GB STATEMENT “Going forward we think it’s important that everyone involved, whether that be staff, competitors and people attending shows, understand our values. HONESTY TRUST FAIRNESS EQUALITY INTEGRITY All five values are what we think our federation, and every other federation involved in bodybuilding, should work with to bring the best out of the sport that we all love and, most importantly, bring the best out of competitors. At IBFA GB we welcome all competitors with absolutely zero tolerance to discrimination towards race, religion, gender and ability. We are working tirelessly to create a supportive, encouraging and positive atmosphere, which will hopefully create a community of this country’s best bodybuilders and supporters. Finally, the health and well-being of our competitors is our main and most important focus, because it’s you that keep the cogs turning in this sport. We are here to look after you and provide you with a stage to showcase your fantastic ability. Thank you all,
Team IBFA GB”
In a further post on social media, IBFA GB announced their officials as:
President: Kenneth Brown
Secretary: Kyle Vice
Committee members: Gemma Vice, Connor Coulson, Anna Barrass, Johnny Woodhead and Demi Ruberts.
Despite having no show calendar to date, IBFA GB added: "We have some exciting plans in the works so make sure you all stay well tuned. Rest assured we’re working hard behind the scenes to put on the most unforgettable shows for all you amazing athletes to showcase yourselves and your hard work. Bodybuilding at its finest. Announcement soon.
"Again thank you from everyone at IBFA GB and the Filizola family for your continued and growing support."
Ali has previously stated on social media that cease and desist notices had been issued instructing the international federation to stop using the acronym “IBFA UK”.
Ali had also indicated that he was due to meet with solicitors to discuss the matter. It is understood that this meeting was scheduled to take place last week, although no formal update or documentation has since been published.
Central issue: branding and authority
With the launch of IBFA GB, the central issue now appears less about presidency and more about branding, continuity, and authority.
Ali’s position rests on his claim that:
IBFA UK has been formally registered in the UK as an unincorporated association
the acronym “IBFA UK” is legally his to use domestically
his organisation represents the continuation of the UK federation he rebuilt
The international federation, by contrast, appears to have accepted the split and responded by establishing a new UK-facing body under a different designation, rather than continuing to assert control over the IBFA UK name.
This may reduce direct naming conflict, but it does not fully resolve questions around:
historical use of the IBFA UK identity
athlete eligibility for international competitions
and whether past governance arrangements were ever formally documented
What this means for athletes
For UK competitors, the practical consequence is that two separate pathways now exist.
Athletes competing under IBFA UK will do so within an organisation that is no longer affiliated with the Italy-based international federation, but which Ali says is continuing to expand domestically and internationally under its own banner. Indeed, IBFA UK are planning a World Championships in Alicante, Spain in 2027 and this season will host their own Mr & Miss Universe in Cardiff.
Athletes aligning with IBFA GB are likely to retain direct access to international IBFA events. However, Ali has said that the Italy-based organisation has now made the Universe and Worlds open events rather than invite only. This has yet to be confirmed.
FrontDouble advises athletes to seek written clarification regarding federation affiliation and international eligibility before entering competitions.
IBFA GB – an evolving situation
While the creation of IBFA GB clarifies that the international federation is now pursuing a separate UK strategy, significant questions remain unanswered.
FrontDouble has contacted the Italy-based federation seeking clarification on:
the governance structure of IBFA GB
its relationship to previous UK officials
and how it intends to manage athlete eligibility going forward
At the time of publication, no response has been received.
The situation remains fluid, with legal, organisational and reputational implications still unfolding on both sides.
FrontDouble will continue to report developments as verifiable information becomes available.
BODYBUILDING isn’t just training regularly. It isn’t protein shakes, gym selfies, or being “into fitness.” It’s a mindset – obsessive at times, uncomfortable often, and completely unnecessary unless you genuinely want it. This British Bodybuilding Quiz isn’t about numbers on a bar or how you look in a hoodie. It’s about habits, priorities and how you actually think. Answer honestly and you’ll know which side of the line you’re on.
Answer honestly. There are no trick questions – just exposure.
1. Someone asks how much you bench. You:
A) Tell them immediately B) Ask “raw or paused?” C) Don’t really bench much anymore D) Say nothing — it’s irrelevant
2. December diet plan looks like:
A) “I’ll start again in January” B) Looser, but still tracked C) Same food, fewer arguments D) Exactly the same — Christmas is a date, not a licence
3. You hear “bodybuilding federation”. You think:
A) NPC B) PCA / NABBA / IFBB C) Judges and politics D) All of the above
4. Your gym closes early on Christmas Eve. You:
A) Panic B) Train earlier C) Train somewhere else D) Already planned around it
5. Someone says they’re in “prep”. You ask:
A) “For what show?” B) “What federation?” C) “When are you stepping on stage?” D) All of the above
A) Necessary evil B) Tool, not punishment C) Context-dependent D) All of the above
7. Your idea of a “rest day” is:
A) No gym at all B) Steps and mobility C) Light pump work D) What the plan says
8. Christmas Day training:
A) Definitely not B) Only if it fits C) Usually, yes D) Already done by 10am
9. Someone says “Dorian Yates”. You picture:
A) Mass B) Back thickness C) HIT training D) All of the above
10. You’ve argued about this at least once:
A) Carb timing B) Natural vs enhanced C) Volume vs intensity D) All of the above
11. Your gym bag contains:
A) Towel and headphones B) Straps and belt C) Chalk / bands / spare socks D) More prep than most people pack for a holiday
12. When progress stalls, you:
A) Change everything B) Add cardio C) Check adherence first D) Check data before emotion
13. You see someone filming everything in the gym. You:
A) Avoid the area B) Wait patiently C) Roll your eyes D) Train regardless
14. A proper leg session includes:
A) Squats B) Leg press C) Something you dread D) All of the above
15. Your relationship with food is best described as:
A) Emotional B) Functional C) Strategic D) Situational
16. You know your bodyweight:
A) Roughly B) Within 2–3kg C) This morning D) Fasted, post-toilet
17. Posing practice is:
A) Optional B) Embarrassing C) Necessary D) Non-negotiable
18. Your view on “genetics” is:
A) Excuse B) Reality C) Overused D) Contextual
19. You’ve trained through:
A) Bad weather B) Bad mood C) Bad sleep D) All of the above
20. Final question — no pretending:
Do you actually want to compete one day? A) No B) Maybe C) Probably D) Yes
SCORING (Unofficial — you’ll know)
Mostly A: You train. That’s fine.
Mostly B: Serious gym-goer.
Mostly C: Bodybuilder in mindset.
Mostly D: You already know what this is.
There’s no score to screenshot here and nothing to prove in the comments. Bodybuilding isn’t a badge — it’s a choice, repeated quietly over time. Some people train hard and live full lives outside the gym. Others organise their days around it. Neither is right or wrong. But they aren’t the same thing. If this British bodybuilding quiz made that clearer, it’s done its job.
From rugby player to best bodybuilder on the planet: The rise of Britain's finest
By Gary Chappell
SAMSON DAUDA says being crowned Mr Olympia is a "dream come true" and has revealed competing in France two weeks ago gave him the perfect information to dial in his condition.
Dauda became only the second Briton since Dorian Yates to win the coveted Mr Olympia title, when dethroning Derek Lunsford in Las Vegas on Saturday night. He also beat 2022 champion Hadi Choopan and 2019 winner Brandon Curry.
Dauda said: "This is a dream come true. This is unreal. This has just been amazing. We knew we were trying to bring something special this year and we knew we could do it. And to have it come to play and happen like this, I couldn't ask for better.
"It feels crazy, it feels [like I'm] over the moon. It feels like all that work all year, putting through everything, to stand on that stage and say 'we did it, against all [the odds], we did it'. There is nothing better."
Dauda received criticism in some corners for his decision to compete at the France Pro just two weeks out from the Olympia. But his surprise move paid dividends because he was given feedback from judges which made him knuckle down even more.
He said: "We really pushed things down because we got the feedback from the judges in France. We knew we had to dig deeper because I knew exactly what they wanted to see. The last two weeks I was doing an hour and a half cardio every day.
"Are you trying to starve me to death?"
"My wife [Marlena Gustowska his coach] was cutting my food so fast I was like 'are you trying to starve me to death'? She really pushed me down and she really wanted to me to shock the world. I don't even know how that happened but she said, 'trust me, you don't lose muscle. You're going to suffer. Even though you're going to hate me for it, trust me, you're going to thank me for it at the end'. Now we know we can achieve this look, I know how far I have to push things."
Speaking to the many fans gathered in Las Vegas, Dauda added: "For all the support you guys [fans] have given me, all your messages, all your love, I want to say thank you so much for everything. It has meant the world to me. We have been through a lot this year and you all stuck by me and I'm truly thankful."
Samson Dauda: From Rugby Player to Mr Olympia
Dauda has taken the bodybuilding world by storm, rising from relative obscurity to become Mr Olympia. However, his path to success was not always rooted in bodybuilding. His journey began on the rugby field, playing first on the wing before moving to outside centre. This is where he built the foundation of his remarkable physique and developed the discipline that would later propel him to greatness on the bodybuilding stage.
During a previous interview, Dauda said: “I was playing rugby for the town I was living in at the time and the guys I was in the changing room with would say, ‘wow, you have a great physique. Have you ever thought about competing'? “I was like, ‘what are you talking about'?"
Dauda spoke to local gym owner Chris Jones – a former NABBA Pro and now NABBA judge. Then he saw the 2013 Mr Olympia contest, which was won by Phil Heath.
“I was just blown away by it. I was like oh my God,” said Dauda at the time. “It just kind of caught me at that point and I was like ‘OK, you know what? I want to do this'."
Jones continues to be a close friend to this day and wrote a glowing tribute on social media: "Well, how do I even begin to put into words just how proud I am right now about Samson Dauda becoming the very best bodybuilder on the planet and becoming the 19th man in history to win the Mr Olympia?
There was something very special about Samson
"Right from the very beginning, it was obvious there was something very special about Samson. He used to work with my wife in 2009 at Basildon Hospital. A simple conversation about going to the gym and Samson wanting to get “a bit bigger”, led to my wife giving Samson my phone number. A few days later, he called me and arranged to come and see me at the gym.
"He walked in weighing about 150 pounds and I gave him a training plan and a diet plan and off he went happy with what we'd discussed.
"Around six months later, he came back to see me – and had gained around 15 pounds of pure muscle. It was blatantly apparent that Samson had a great ability to grow muscle even back then.
ON THE RIGHT PATH: Samson Dauda and close friend and early mentor Chris Jones (left)
"Fast forward a few years and we had so many adventures and experiences together. And with the persuasion of his wife Marlena, he agreed to do his first bodybuilding show. All the years of competing, going to regional qualifiers, British championships together and trying to make a mark. It was clear that Samson was destined for greatness.
"Through all the success, Samson is still the same humble, down-to-earth guy that he has always been and has always remained true and loyal to his friends.
"I will close this by saying that I am truly humbled and privileged to say that my mate Samson Dauda is now THE best bodybuilder on the planet. A nd he still comes down our gym [Evolve Fitness in Essex] to chat with us lads and eat and train. Well done Samson and Marlena."
Despite several accounts profiling his competition history, Dauda actually competed with at the IBFA Hampshire in 2013, winning his class and the overall.
“It just felt so natural to be on there, you know,” said Dauda. “One of the promoters came to me and said, ‘I think you can win this class [the overall]’. I was like ‘are you out of your mind’?”
Fast forward 11 years and Dauda is the best bodybuilder on the planet. Mr Olympia.
Early Struggles and Breakthroughs
Dauda’s entry into the competitive bodybuilding scene was not easy. He faced many of the challenges that come with starting a new sport – learning how to pose, understanding nutrition and perfecting his stage presence. His initial competitions were met with mixed results. But Dauda persisted, knowing that he had the potential to rise to the top.
It was not until he started learning the intricacies of professional bodybuilding that Dauda’s career began to take off. His physique, known for its symmetry, size and definition, started to catch the attention of judges and fans alike.
In 2021, Dauda had his breakthrough year, placing highly in several major competitions, including the Arnold Classic and IFBB Pro League shows. His combination of mass, aesthetics and an impressive posing routine set him apart from the competition.
The Road to Mr Olympia
By 2022, Dauda had solidified himself as a legitimate contender for the Mr. Olympia title. His transformation from a rugby player to a world-class bodybuilder is a testament to his work ethic and determination. His Nigerian heritage, combined with his British upbringing, gave him a unique identity and perspective in the sport.
Dauda’s rise to prominence is an inspirational story of resilience, discipline and ambition. And now he and wife Marlena know what he needs to do to dial in that Mr Olympia condition. So the question now is: Just how many can he win?
Dauda might well be known as the Nigerian Lion but right now there is no doubt he is Britain's best.
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