How demanding is a professional bodybuilding journey? Many ask, few truly understand. In a candid conversation with Jay Davies on ‘The Beautiful Struggle Podcast’, Samson Dauda breaks it down.

Speaking to Jay Davies, Dauda expressed that the journey is difficult, “bodybuilding at the top, especially climbing it. It's hard enough.”

When asked how hard it is to reach the top and remain there, the former Mr. Olympia explained that every single aspect of bodybuilding is tough.

“You don't watch it, you live it. You literally—everything someone else is watching or you watch on YouTube video is not just it. It doesn't end after half an hour of watching YouTube. It carries on. You live that all the time, 24/7, all the time,” said Dauda.

Starting his career in 2014, Samson Dauda turned professional in 2017 after winning the overall IFBB Amateur Diamond Cup Rome title. He made his professional debut the following year at the EVLS Prague Showdown, where he finished fifth.

Six years after his Prague debut, ‘The Nigerian lion’ clinched the Mr. Olympia title back in 2024, cementing his legacy. However, despite his legacy, Samson Dauda is not satisfied with his achievements.

“I don't watch anything,” Samson Dauda on his Bodybuilding Journey

Down in the same conversation, Samson Dauda explained that throughout his journey, he identified one key factor that keeps him going: ignoring the noise as much as possible.

“I don't watch anything. I don't watch at all. I don't watch bodybuilding podcasts. I don't watch any YouTube channels.”

“I don't watch, I don't watch anything bodybuilding. My job is clear in front of me. I want to be the best I can be. I want to be the best bodybuilder on the planet. The task is for me to go to the gym, train, eat, sleep, repeat, go after it over and over again,” said Dauda.

Given that, what is your opinion on his career till now? Will he be able to make a comeback in 2026? State your thoughts in the comments below.

Written by

Suryakant Das

Edited by

Joyita Das