October 21, (THEWILL) – Samson Dauda, a Nigerian-born bodybuilder who now represents the United Kingdom, has achieved a remarkable feat by winning the 2024 Mr. Olympia title. This victory not only marks a significant milestone in his career but also establishes his mettle in modern-day bodybuilding. Despite his incredible accomplishments, Dauda remains relatively unknown in Nigeria, his country of birth.
Born on March 11, 1992, in Lagos, Nigeria, Dauda moved to the United Kingdom during his teenage years. His journey into bodybuilding began unexpectedly. While playing rugby as a teenager, he received numerous comments from people suggesting he should compete as a bodybuilder. These remarks planted the seed for what would become an illustrious career in the sport.
Dauda’s competitive journey in bodybuilding commenced in April 2014 when he entered his first show as a beginner. Impressively, he finished in second place overall in this debut performance. This early success fueled his passion for the sport and set the stage for his future accomplishments.
Over the next decade, Dauda competed in more than 30 shows, consistently placing in the top 10 in all but one of them. His progression through the ranks of competitive bodybuilding was steady and impressive. In 2017, he earned his professional card at the IFBB Amateur Diamond Cup Rome, marking his transition from amateur to professional status.
The path to professional success was not without its challenges. Dauda faced significant financial hurdles, particularly as an international athlete competing in the United States. The costs associated with travel and accommodation posed major obstacles. However, recognizing that success would require these sacrifices, Dauda made the necessary commitments to compete with the best in the world.
The COVID-19 pandemic added another layer of difficulty to Dauda’s journey. Balancing full-time employment with his bodybuilding career during this period created additional pressure and moments of doubt. In a recent interview, Dauda admitted that he questioned whether his efforts were sustainable and if the wise money was on quitting altogether. However, the unwavering support from his family, friends, and sponsors kept him motivated and on track.
A turning point in Dauda’s career came in 2022 when he made his Mr. Olympia debut, finishing in sixth place. This performance reignited his motivation and set the stage for even greater achievements. Building on this momentum, he improved his placing to third in the 2023 Mr. Olympia competition.
The 2024 Mr. Olympia contest saw Dauda bring his best package yet to the stage. His combination of size, symmetry, and conditioning set him apart from his competitors. Despite facing stiff competition from previous champions like Derek Lunsford and Hadi Choopan, Dauda’s overall presentation proved superior, earning him the coveted title.
Dauda’s victory is significant for several reasons. He is the first Nigerian-born athlete to win the Mr. Olympia title, bringing pride to both Nigeria and the United Kingdom. His win also marks the return of the Sandow trophy to the UK for the first time since the reign of Dorian Yates in the 1990s.
The financial reward for Dauda’s victory was substantial. He took home a prize of $600,000, the largest ever awarded in the competition’s history. This prize, equivalent to over N1 billion at current exchange rates, represents a life-changing sum for the 32-year-old athlete.
Beyond the monetary reward, Dauda’s win signifies a shift in the bodybuilding world. His victory suggests a change in judging focus from extreme conditioning to overall structure and flow. While Dauda was not the most conditioned athlete on stage, his superior structure and stage presence won over the judges.
Dauda’s training philosophy is built on simplicity and consistency. He focuses on high-volume training using a mixture of foundational compound and isolation exercises. His weekly routine typically follows a “bro-split” approach, dedicating each session to a specific large muscle group.
In terms of nutrition, Dauda maintains a strict diet to support his impressive physique. During the off-season, he consumes six small meals spread evenly throughout the day, focusing on high-quality, simple foods. His competition diet involves adjusting portion sizes and eliminating most added sauces and flavourings to reduce energy intake.
One interesting aspect of Dauda’s recent success is his decision to be coached by his wife, Marlena Gustowska. This move raised eyebrows in the bodybuilding community, with many questioning whether it was the right decision. However, the results speak for themselves, validating Dauda’s choice and highlighting the strength of his partnership with Gustowska.
Looking ahead, Dauda has no intention of resting on his laurels. He has already set his sights on the Arnold Sports Festival in March 2025, where the Men’s Open Division winner is set to receive $500,000. Having previously won the Classic Division title at this event in 2023, Dauda is eager to compete again and add another prestigious title to his growing list of accomplishments.
Dauda’s story is one of perseverance, dedication, and success against the odds. From his humble beginnings in Lagos to the top of the bodybuilding world, he has demonstrated that with hard work and determination, it is possible to achieve one’s dreams. His journey serves as an inspiration not only to aspiring bodybuilders but to anyone pursuing their passion in the face of adversity.
For Nigerians and British citizens alike, Samson Dauda represents the best of both worlds. His success bridges two nations and cultures, embodying the potential that lies within international collaboration and personal drive. His story is a testament to the power of chasing one’s dreams, regardless of the starting point.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
