Samson Dauda shares insights into his years bodybuilding before he found success – and how close he was to quitting the sport entirely
In the third episode of GI Conversation With Samson Dauda, director Vlad Yudin continues to explore the journey of top bodybuilder Samson Dauda – now the new Mr. Olympia champion. This episode offers valuable insights by Samson Dauda into the realities of turning pro, the financial challenges, the evolving role of social media, and the rise of young viral stars like Sam Sulek. For aspiring bodybuilders and fans alike, it’s a deep dive into the determination and adaptability required to succeed at the highest level of the sport.
The Reality of Turning Pro: Challenges Beyond the Card
Vlad Yudin starts by asking Samson Dauda about his advice for new bodybuilders who have just earned their pro cards, especially concerning financial challenges. Samson is quick to highlight a common misconception among up-and-coming bodybuilders: earning a pro card is not the end goal, but rather the beginning of a much tougher journey.
“When you are an amateur, you’re not thinking about what comes next after the pro card,” Samson reflects. “You just focus on what is in front of you—you want that pro card. But once you get it, that doesn’t mean you’re the best. It just gets you in the gates.” According to Samson, the real test starts when you go from being a top amateur to competing against seasoned professionals. It’s at that point that you have to prove you can “run with the big boys” and truly compete at the highest level.
Samson Dauda’s experience in those early years was anything but glamorous. He recalls the strain of working a full-time job while trying to make ends meet in the world of professional bodybuilding. Traveling to competitions, paying for training, and maintaining a strict diet without significant income made every loss sting even more. He shares that in 2020, he reached a turning point, telling himself that if he didn’t start seeing real improvements in his physique and competition placements by the end of the year, he would consider retiring from bodybuilding.
Then, the world changed—COVID-19 hit. Samson saw this as a potential sign that perhaps bodybuilding wasn’t meant to be his path. But just when he was ready to hang up his posing trunks, his sponsor, Hostile Supplements, reached out and urged him to give it one more shot. Their belief in his potential convinced him to push forward, and soon after, he qualified for the 2021 Olympia. This experience taught him the importance of resilience and surrounding oneself with people who believe in your vision.
Samson’s advice to aspiring pros is clear: the journey is tough, and the financial pressures can be overwhelming. “You might feel like a beat-up bag of meat,” he jokes, but he emphasizes that if bodybuilding is your true passion, it’s worth fighting through the struggles because success can come when you least expect it.
Social Media: A New Reality for Modern Bodybuilders
The conversation shifts as Vlad asks Samson about the role of social media in modern bodybuilding. Samson doesn’t mince words when he emphasizes that social media has become an essential part of the sport and a key to a bodybuilder’s success. “For guys starting off today, social media is a necessity,” he says. “It’s become an important part of the sport and your success in it.”
Samson points out that the landscape has shifted dramatically since he first started in the mid-2010s. Back then, he used social media casually, as a fun way to share his journey. But now, building a following online is crucial for gaining sponsorships, maintaining visibility, and establishing a personal brand. “Social media is a value to bodybuilders now,” Samson notes. “It determines your success, your presence, your opportunities—and the sponsorships you may get.”
He shares a piece of advice he received early on: be authentic. Instead of trying to conform to what audiences or algorithms might favor, Samson decided to simply be himself, documenting his highs and lows, training sessions, and daily life. “I was chronicling my own journey, my own history,” he says, adding that it’s become a way to look back on his progress and draw strength from the obstacles he’s overcome.
From a business perspective, social media has allowed Samson to present himself as a brand, offering fans and sponsors a more complete picture of who he is beyond his achievements in the gym. This transparency and connection with fans have become essential for modern athletes, blending personal storytelling with the pursuit of competitive success.
Sam Sulek’s Rise to Fame: A New Kind of Bodybuilding Star
The discussion then turns to Sam Sulek, a young bodybuilder and social media sensation who has become a viral figure in the fitness world. Samson and Sulek share a connection through their former sponsor, Hostile Supplements, and Vlad is curious about Samson’s take on Sulek’s rapid rise in popularity despite not yet competing in major bodybuilding contests.
Samson expresses admiration for Sulek’s success, especially given the criticism that the young athlete faced early on. “When he came out, a lot of people were hating on him for the silliest reasons,” Samson remarks. “They said he didn’t know what he was doing and were critiquing him.” But in Samson’s eyes, Sulek is simply a passionate kid who loves bodybuilding and is willing to show an unfiltered view of his journey.
Samson believes that Sulek’s raw and genuine approach has been a great thing for the sport, as it attracts new audiences to the world of bodybuilding. “He’s bringing a new generation and perhaps a different kind of audience to discover and become passionate about the sport,” Samson says. In a time when bodybuilding is evolving rapidly, Sulek’s social media presence is drawing interest from younger fans who might otherwise not have discovered the sport.
When Vlad asks if Sulek might eventually compete, Samson is optimistic. He’s noticed Sulek’s dedication to learning the art of posing, suggesting that it’s only a matter of time before he takes the stage. “I think one day he will,” Samson predicts, hinting that the young star’s passion for bodybuilding might soon translate into competition.
Wrap Up
As this episode of GI Conversation With Samson Dauda wraps up, it’s clear that Samson’s journey is about more than just building muscle—it’s about adapting to the changing dynamics of the sport and finding ways to thrive both on and off the stage. Whether he’s offering hard-earned advice to aspiring pros or reflecting on the impact of social media, Samson remains focused on one thing: continuing his upward trajectory toward the Mr. Olympia title.
With his pragmatic yet passionate approach to the sport, Samson Dauda is a role model for both seasoned competitors and newcomers alike. He’s proven that the road to success is rarely smooth, but with resilience, authenticity, and a willingness to evolve, it’s possible to reach the heights of the bodybuilding world. As the countdown to the 2024 Mr. Olympia continues, fans are eager to see how Samson’s journey will unfold and whether his patient, strategic approach will finally land him at the top of the sport.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every week for more video exclusives only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
