Sergio Oliva Jr. offers a message of hope for those who struggle with mental health – and how bodybuilding can help provide relief
In Episode 3 of GI Conversation With Sergio Oliva Jr., host Vlad Yudin sits down with the professional bodybuilder for an intense and revealing conversation. In this episode, Sergio Oliva Jr. opens up about his struggles with mental health, a near-fatal depression, his transformative journey, and a challenging experience in Dubai that shaped his outlook on life and the bodybuilding industry. An insightful conversation that provides a raw look at the pressures of competing at an elite level while navigating personal crises.
Let’s dive into our full recap of the topics discussed in this week’s GI Conversation With Sergio Oliva Jr.
Grappling with Depression: Sergio’s 2019 Struggle
Things kick off with Vlad Yudin referencing a pivotal moment in 2019 when Sergio Oliva Jr. publicly admitted to a period of serious depression, expressing that he “didn’t care if he lived or died.” Sergio reveals that he was battling suicidal thoughts during that time, a period marked by darkness and pain.
He opens up about a suicide attempt, explaining that he once saw suicide as a selfish act, but experiencing severe depression shifted his perspective. According to Sergio, depression isn’t always about the specific source of pain; instead, it’s like a “dark pit” where one loses control of their thoughts, making escape seem reasonable or even inevitable.
Sergio Oliva Jr. describes his attempt to overdose on pills, driven by a series of personal challenges that included betrayal by his wife, who left him for another man. The heartbreak was compounded by the fact that his wife’s new partner left behind his own wife. Sergio found solace in connecting with this woman, who was also suffering from the betrayal and was pregnant at the time. This newfound companionship helped him cope and provided him with a sense of purpose as he supported her through her pregnancy.
Sergio Oliva Jr.’s path to healing took a surprising turn when he decided to go skydiving. Though he hadn’t planned it as a therapeutic step, the experience turned out to be transformative. After landing from the jump, he was struck with a realization about life’s fragility and preciousness. This newfound perspective propelled him forward, reigniting his motivation to excel in bodybuilding.
That year, he competed in the Pittsburgh Pro, where he placed second, securing a qualification for the Mr. Olympia competition. However, despite this professional success, he found himself struggling to feel true happiness. Realizing that he needed to address his mental health, Sergio chose to step back from bodybuilding for a time to focus on healing.
Finding Support in Vulnerability
Sergio Oliva Jr. shares that despite bodybuilding’s “tough” image, he found significant support within the community when he opened up about his struggles. Posting about his mental health journey on social media drew an outpouring of messages, showing him that vulnerability can foster solidarity and support.
Sergio believes that many athletes in bodybuilding feel pressured to “suck it up” and avoid showing weakness, but his experience proved the opposite, showing that the bodybuilding community is more supportive than it may appear.
Healing from Within and Embracing Support
Vlad Yudin asks Sergio Oliva Jr. about his journey to recovery, questioning whether his strength came from internal resilience or external support. Sergio explains that it was a combination of both.
Sergio discovered that training and immersing himself in the bodybuilding lifestyle could act as a powerful tool against depression, as long as he allowed himself to benefit from it. Bodybuilding, he notes, can be the best support system for those who often feel like outcasts, offering a sense of purpose and community. His loved ones played a significant role, but the discipline and escape he found in training helped him reconnect with his goals and heal.
Dubai: A Transformative but Difficult Chapter
The episode then shifts to Sergio Oliva Jr.’s experiences in Dubai, which started as an unexpected detour. Originally on his way to India, Sergio’s plans changed when his friend’s visa wasn’t cleared, leading them to stop in Dubai. Sergio admits that he held misconceptions about the Middle East and initially thought Dubai would be similar to other parts of the region. However, he quickly came to appreciate its unique qualities.
While in Dubai, Sergio Oliva Jr. began training with the Kuwait Oxygen Gym community, known for producing world-class athletes. He chose to live in Dubai to avoid the social restrictions of Kuwait, finding a balance that allowed him to progress physically without feeling isolated. During his time there, he achieved some of his best physique improvements and felt optimistic about his future in bodybuilding.
Yet, Dubai’s complex social structure soon impacted Sergio’s life in unexpected ways. He explains that Dubai has a wide class divide, which he describes as a “shithole” for some but not for others. This disparity in social standing was made starkly evident during a vehicular accident that left a local man severely injured. Sergio recalls that emergency responders appeared indifferent to the man’s suffering, likely due to his lower social status. The man later died in the hospital, and Sergio suspects that he might have survived if given proper medical care.
Facing Legal Challenges in Dubai
The accident led to severe consequences for Sergio Oliva Jr., who found himself detained in a Dubai prison for a week following the incident. He explains that he had to pay substantial sums—$10,000 in initial fees, followed by another $50,000 in “blood money” to the deceased’s family. Sergio emphasizes that he didn’t object to this payment, viewing it as a form of restitution, but the experience shed light on the city’s rigid class hierarchy and justice system.
During his time in jail, Sergio grappled with the harsh realities of life in Dubai. He mentions that some poor individuals reportedly end their lives intentionally to secure financial support for their families—a grim reality that underscores the social issues within the region. The experience disrupted Sergio’s contest preparation and effectively derailed his plans for that competitive season. Reflecting on the ordeal, Sergio conveys a mix of frustration and empathy, recognizing the city’s allure but also the darker, inequitable aspects that many visitors overlook.
Despite the setbacks, Sergio Oliva Jr.’s experience in Dubai has only strengthened his resolve to persevere. Facing the legal and emotional challenges of the accident while juggling his bodybuilding career forced him to confront his limits and rediscover his resilience. Rather than allowing these hardships to define him, Sergio uses them as motivation to keep pushing forward.
Wrap Up
Episode 3 of GI Conversation With Sergio Oliva Jr. delivers a powerful exploration of resilience, recovery, and self-discovery. From a dark period of depression to the legal challenges he faced abroad, Sergio’s journey illustrates the strength required to navigate the highs and lows of professional bodybuilding.
By sharing his experiences, Sergio not only breaks down barriers around mental health but also inspires others to confront their struggles head-on. As the series progresses, fans can expect more revelations and insights from this deeply reflective athlete, whose life continues to impact the world of bodybuilding.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. Make sure to check back every week for new episodes and exclusives only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
