60 Years of Mr. Olympia: Genetics or Steroids, How Far Can the Human Body Go?

"You can give a poodle all the steroids you want, but you'll never turn it into a rottweiler." This phrase perfectly captures the battle between genetics and effort in the world of bodybuilding. Beyond steroids or exceptional genetics, becoming a Mr. Olympia champion requires a complex combination of factors, where consistency and daily sacrifice are essential.

Flex Wheeler, nicknamed "The Sultan of Symmetry," possessed enviable genetics, but his lack of commitment to extreme training prevented him from claiming the title. In contrast, Dorian Yates, whose aesthetics were not his strongest point, pushed his body to the limit with brutal workouts, proving that dedication can surpass even the most privileged genetics. Then we have legendary figures like Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman, who, in addition to being genetically blessed, used steroids to reach almost superhuman dimensions.

The use of steroids has always been a topic of controversy, both inside and outside the bodybuilding world. This debate has prevented the sport from being officially recognized in the Olympics. Despite this, bodybuilding is not just a sport; it's also a spectacle, a form of visual art that flirts with the circus-like. Vince McMahon, the entertainment mogul, unsuccessfully tried to merge bodybuilding with his wrestling shows. Over the years, Mr. Olympia has showcased some of the most monstrous bodies on the planet: Arnold, Lou Ferrigno, Dorian Yates, Ronnie Coleman. More than a sports competition, it's a physical experiment where steroids have played—and continue to play—a crucial role.

In a more dystopian proposal, Peter Thiel, the billionaire former partner of Elon Musk, suggested the creation of "enhanced" Olympic Games, where substances like steroids would be legal. While this idea might fascinate some, it also raises concerns about the risks involved. Tragic stories of bodybuilders like Andreas Munzer or Nasser El Sonbaty, whose deaths were linked to steroid abuse, remind us that these compounds not only accelerate muscle growth but also the development of deadly diseases such as cancer.

Over the decades, the IFBB, the federation that regulates Mr. Olympia, has oscillated between ignoring steroid use and applying lax controls. While men are celebrated for their monstrous physiques, women in the sport have been marginalized in pursuit of a more commercial image, to the point where the Ms. Olympia competition was canceled for several years when it was thought that competitors like Iris Kyle had pushed the sport to an extreme no longer accepted.

As time has passed, bodybuilding has seen significant changes. Since Larry Scott won the first Eugene Sandow statue 60 years ago, there have been eras where extreme muscle mass was the standard, as with Sergio Oliva and Lou Ferrigno. However, in other times, the balance has favored aesthetics and symmetry, as demonstrated by Frank Zane and Dexter Jackson. The recent triumph of Samson Dauda in the 60th edition of Mr. Olympia this year marked a return to valuing aesthetics over sheer muscle mass. With a sculpted physique, Dauda defeated giants like Hadi Choopan and Derek Lunsford, proving that beauty and harmony still have a place in the sport.

Samson Dauda remains an enigmatic figure. This Nigerian-born bodybuilder, who took home a record-breaking $600,000 prize, has acknowledged the influence of his wife Marlena, a former bodybuilding competitor turned coach, who convinced him to pursue the sport. In his case, the formula for success includes a blend of genetics, steroids, rigorous training, and solid emotional support. Now the big question is: Will Dauda be able to retain the title next year, or will he succumb to the pressure of adding even more muscle mass, as has happened with many recent champions? While aesthetics seem to have regained their place at the top, the future of bodybuilding remains uncertain and exciting, even after more than six decades of muscle evolution.