Vlad Yudin confronts Sergio Oliva Jr. On Their Feud That Has Been Seemingly Ongoing Since 2017
In the first episode of the multipart series GI Conversation With Sergio Oliva Jr., director Vlad Yudin sits down with professional bodybuilder Sergio Oliva Jr. for a candid discussion. The series aims to provide deep insights into the life of Sergio Jr., who is not only a notable bodybuilding competitor but also the son of the legendary Sergio Oliva, a bodybuilding icon in his own right. Starting things off with a bang, this episode digs deep into the perceived bad blood between Vlad Yudin and Sergio Oliva Jr – as they attempt to bury the hatchet.
Clearing the Air: A Misunderstanding Between Sergio and Vlad
The episode kicks off with Vlad Yudin addressing a topic that has been simmering for years. He asks Sergio Oliva Jr. why he thought there was animosity between them. Sergio admits that the two hadn’t spoken since 2017, which led him to believe that Vlad didn’t like him. Sergio explains that back in 2017, he was under a lot of pressure, preparing for his first professional show, and was still young and immature. This stress led him to lash out, and Vlad bore the brunt of that pressure, culminating in a fallout.
In response, Vlad recounts their last interaction, which involved a failed attempt to film together due to a logistical error on Generation Iron’s part. The mishap left Sergio Oliva Jr. frustrated, and in a moment of anger, he “cursed out” Vlad. Despite this, Vlad reveals that he has always found Sergio fascinating—both for his unpredictability in public statements and for his evolving physique. Vlad admits that he was rooting for Sergio all along, despite the tension between them.
Sergio Oliva Jr. acknowledges the compliment but points out that Vlad could have reached out in the years that followed. Even when arranging this interview, it was Vlad’s assistant, not Vlad himself, who made contact. Sergio clarifies that he doesn’t hold a grudge, but these small actions contributed to his belief that Vlad wasn’t fond of him.
Understanding Media’s Role in Bodybuilding
The conversation shifts as Sergio Oliva Jr. addresses another source of tension—Generation Iron’s media coverage. He admits that some of the stories and social media posts from the brand used to frustrate him. Over time, however, he came to understand that media outlets operate this way to drive engagement. What initially angered him now makes sense as a necessary part of maintaining public interest in bodybuilding.
Sergio Oliva Jr. is quick to clarify that despite his earlier frustrations, he has never had a negative experience with the Generation Iron team, nor has he heard of any from his peers. He praises Victor Martinez, a bodybuilder known for his integrity, who works closely with Generation Iron. Martinez’s positive relationship with the brand gave Sergio further reassurance about the team’s professionalism.
Sergio emphasizes that bodybuilding is a niche sport, and unlike mainstream media, platforms like Generation Iron treat it with the seriousness it deserves. For that, he expresses appreciation, leaving the fallout from 2017 in the past.
Sergio’s Take on Social Media and Fame
Another key topic covered in the interview is Sergio Oliva Jr’s complicated relationship with social media. Vlad brings up an interview where Sergio mentioned hating social media, but also praises him for his natural ability to generate engagement online. Sergio agrees with the sentiment but clarifies that his issue lies with how social media platforms reward those who haven’t put in the same level of work as professional bodybuilders.
He uses the example of Sam Sulek, a young influencer who has gained significant fame and income without having competed professionally. While Sergio doesn’t criticize Sulek as a person, he finds it unfair that influencers can surpass hardworking athletes in fame and earnings simply because of social media’s structure. To him, it’s frustrating that someone who hasn’t stepped on stage can receive more respect than a bodybuilder who competes but doesn’t have the best physique.
Sergio Oliva Jr. expresses a desire for social media platforms like Instagram to disappear for a short while—not permanently. He believes this would force many people to reevaluate their lives and perhaps realize they need a “plan B.” In today’s world, social media makes it too easy for individuals to thrive without considering long-term goals or alternative paths.
Reflecting on His Father’s Influence
The conversation takes a more personal turn when Vlad asks about Sergio Oliva Jr.’s relationship with his father, Sergio Oliva Sr. Sergio acknowledges that their relationship was turbulent and that his father didn’t want him to follow in his footsteps as a bodybuilder. Now, with more life experience, Sergio understands his father’s perspective. As an immigrant, his father wanted to provide a better life for his son, one that didn’t involve the struggles and hardships that come with bodybuilding.
Sergio also reflects on the racial challenges his father faced in the sport during his time. Bodybuilding was much more discriminatory back then, and Sergio Sr. likely saw limited opportunities for his son, given the racist landscape. However, Sergio Jr. points out that things have changed, with better prize money and more opportunities for bodybuilders of all backgrounds today.
Discussing Racism in Bodybuilding’s Past
The topic of racism in bodybuilding inevitably leads to a discussion about Joe Weider, one of the most influential figures in the sport’s history. Vlad asks if Sergio Oliva Jr.’s father ever mentioned Weider as a racist, given the statements from other bodybuilders like Robby Robinson. Sergio admits that his father did share similar stories, recounting how a group of people told him that neither a Jew nor a Black man would ever win Mr. Olympia.
Sergio Oliva Jr. speculates that while Weider may have been blamed for these sentiments, it’s possible that others in the organization were responsible for the racist undertones, with Weider taking the fall as the public face of the sport. Despite this, Sergio Jr. believes that Weider ultimately made the right decision in promoting Arnold Schwarzenegger. Arnold’s crossover success helped grow bodybuilding into a more mainstream sport, something Sergio Sr. may not have achieved given the racial prejudices of the time.
Sergio Oliva Jr.’s Relationship with Arnold Schwarzenegger
Finally, Vlad touches on Sergio Oliva Jr.’s relationship with Arnold Schwarzenegger, noting that Arnold awarded Sergio the Best Posing Award at the Arnold Classic. Sergio confirms that Arnold has shown respect toward him even before that public moment. He recounts a backstage conversation with Arnold where, despite his poor performance, Arnold took the time to offer advice. This private interaction meant the world to Sergio, as it wasn’t a staged moment for cameras but a genuine act of respect.
In conclusion, Episode one of GI Conversation With Sergio Oliva Jr. offers a compelling look into Sergio’s personal and professional life. From resolving past misunderstandings with Vlad Yudin to reflecting on his father’s legacy and the complexities of social media, Sergio reveals the challenges and triumphs he faces as a second-generation bodybuilder. His candidness sets the stage for an insightful series that delves deep into the world of bodybuilding.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. And don’t forget to check back every week for more episodes from our conversation with Sergio Oliva Jr!
