Samson Dauda believes that ‘slow and steady wins the race’ – and that his consistency will see him become Olympia champion someday soon
In the second episode of the GI Conversation With Samson Dauda series, host Vlad Yudin delves deeper into the ups and downs of Samson Dauda’s competitive year, focusing on the challenges he faced during the 2024 Arnold Classic events, his rivalry with top athletes like Hadi Choopan, and his approach to the 2024 Mr. Olympia. This episode provides a revealing look into Samson’s mindset as he navigates the high stakes of professional bodybuilding, balancing ambition with patience.
2024 Arnold Classic: Triumphs, Setbacks, and Perseverance
The episode begins with Vlad Yudin discussing Samson Dauda’s performance in the 2024 Arnold Classic, where Samson narrowly missed out on the top spot to Hadi Choopan. Samson opens up about the toll that competing at this level takes on his body, emphasizing how vulnerable athletes are during the final weeks of preparation. The intense demands of competition left him feeling weakened, and just two weeks later, he found himself facing another challenge at the Arnold Classic UK.
Samson Dauda recalls how he began feeling increasingly unwell during the weeks leading up to the UK competition, with his condition deteriorating rather than improving. Faced with the possibility of withdrawing, his team urged him to consider pulling out of the competition to prioritize his health. However, Samson’s resilience shone through—he had never backed out of a competition in his life, and he wasn’t about to start in front of his fans in the UK.
Instead, he turned to his wife for support, entrusting her to make the final call. She believed in him, and together they worked tirelessly to help him recover and prepare for the Arnold Classic UK. Despite the physical strain, Samson emerged on stage with what he describes as “the best look he’s ever had,” earning a second-place finish behind Hadi Choopan once again. It was a moment of triumph against the odds, a testament to his determination and the power of his support system.
Facing Adversity and Learning from Defeat
Reflecting on the experience, Samson Dauda admits that the process of competing while ill was incredibly challenging. But he believes that every setback offers valuable lessons. Competing against a former Mr. Olympia like Hadi Choopan wasn’t just about trying to win—it was about measuring his progress against one of the best in the sport. He wanted to see if he could close the gap between himself and Hadi, a goal that he views as a crucial step toward his ultimate aim of winning the 2024 Mr. Olympia.
For Samson, the Arnold Classic competitions were not simply battles for trophies but opportunities to refine his strategy and assess his progress. The experience taught him where he needs to improve to challenge top-tier competitors like Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford. Each contest serves as a stepping stone, bringing him closer to his vision of standing at the pinnacle of the sport.
Strategizing for the 2024 Mr. Olympia: Closing the Gap
Vlad then shifts the conversation to Samson Dauda’s approach for the rest of 2024, asking about his strategy to surpass Hadi Choopan. Samson confidently explains that his progress over the years speaks for itself. “When you see me against Hadi Choopan years ago, it wasn’t even close,” he says, emphasizing that the gap between them has steadily narrowed. With each passing year, Samson has been able to bring a more refined and mature physique to the stage, a process that requires time, patience, and an unwavering commitment to improvement.
Samson Duada is acutely aware that his path to victory isn’t just about adding more muscle—it’s about achieving a level of muscle maturity and density that can only develop with time. He mentions how he draws inspiration from Dexter Jackson, one of bodybuilding’s legends, who mastered the art of patient progress. For Samson, following in Dexter’s footsteps means embracing the philosophy of “slow and steady wins the race,” ensuring that when he does reach his peak, he’ll be fully ready to claim the title.
Arnold Classic’s Prize Money Boost: A Win for the Sport
The episode concludes with a discussion of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s decision to raise the prize money for the Arnold Classic to a staggering $1 million, making it the highest prize in professional bodybuilding. Samson jokes that the news made him even more eager to compete at the Arnold Classic again, noting that while he would have participated regardless, the increased prize money is a nice bonus.
But beyond the humor, Samson emphasizes the significance of this development for the sport. He recalls a time when even winning top-tier competitions didn’t offer enough financial support for athletes to sustain themselves. Thanks to figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger and other forward-thinking promoters, the financial rewards of bodybuilding have become more aligned with the grueling effort that athletes put into their craft.
“It’s a wonderful thing for the athletes and great for the sport overall,” Samson concludes, acknowledging the positive impact this shift will have on the next generation of competitors.
Looking Ahead: The Journey to the Mr. Olympia Stage
As this episode of GI Conversation With Samson Dauda draws to a close, it’s clear that Samson’s story is one of resilience, passion, and strategic growth. Whether facing health challenges, competing against elite rivals, or navigating the evolving landscape of bodybuilding, Samson’s unwavering focus remains on continuous improvement. He knows that the road to becoming Mr. Olympia is a marathon, not a sprint, and he’s committed to making every step count.
Samson Dauda’s journey to the 2024 Mr. Olympia promises to be one of the most exciting storylines in bodybuilding this year. As he continues to narrow the gap between himself and the reigning champions, fans can expect more thrilling battles and inspiring moments from a competitor who refuses to back down, no matter the odds. With his eyes set firmly on the top, Samson Dauda is ready to make history, and this episode offers a compelling glimpse into the mindset of a champion in the making.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every week for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
