Samson Dauda might be a confident and social individual right now, but that was not always the case. According to his coach and wife, Marlena, the former Mr. Olympia champion had no confidence when she first met him.

On December 26, Samson Dauda posted a YouTube video featuring Marlena, where she revealed unheard stories from his life. During the course of the conversation, she disclosed, “When I first met him 15 years ago. He was a different guy—so quiet, so shy. He had no confidence. He wouldn’t speak up. He wouldn’t hold a conversation because, I think, he simply lacked confidence. He was too afraid.”

Marlena expressed that his lack of confidence was mainly rooted in his childhood, growing up in Nigeria during a period of terrifying transformation. She also mentioned that when she first met him, he was involved in rugby, but he never found his rhythm in the sport.

“He was fantastic. But he’d tell me, “Oh, I don’t get on with rugby because the coach doesn’t like me. He has a problem with me,” And that, again, ties back to his childhood,” revealed Marlena.

She revealed that Dauda was a tough nut to crack because he never pushed himself to his limits due to a self-sabotaging mindset rooted in his childhood, “That’s why, later in life, even as an adult, he wouldn’t push beyond what felt mentally 'comfortable' for him.”

One could say that if it hadn’t been for Marlena, Dauda might never have reached his true potential, and perhaps that’s why he’s never keen to leave her side.

Samson Dauda on leaving Marlena for a better coach

Time and time again, Samson Dauda has claimed that he is here because of his wife. Despite this, he has received criticism for having her as his coach. When he was asked if he would ever change his coach, he answered, “People need to understand, if she leaves me, I’m stopping bodybuilding. I ain’t doing this alone.”

He further added in his conversation with BeyondStageTV, “She dragged me into this sport; she’s responsible for whatever happens to me in this sport. So if she were to say, ‘I’m done.’ Okay, great, I’m done too. If you really understand, I’m not getting rid of my wife for nothing

For Dauda, bodybuilding would feel pointless without Marlena by his side. Given that, what are your thoughts on Dauda’s journey and his past? Share your views in the comments below.

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Joyita Das