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Meet British Mr Olympia 2024 winner – who took home record £460k prize

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Meet British Mr Olympia 2024 winner – who took home record £460k prize

SAMSON DAUDA has officially the world’s best body as the Brit brought home the prestigious Mr Olympia title in Las Vegas.

The “Nigerian Lion” brought the coveted title back to Blighty after beating a stacked field to win the title for the first time.

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British boybuilder Samson Dauda won Mr Olympia in 2024Credit: Instagram
The 'Nigerian Lion', 32, broke down in tears at the Mr Olympia win

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The ‘Nigerian Lion’, 32, broke down in tears at the Mr Olympia winCredit: Instagram

Born on March 11, 1992, Dauda is well known in the fitness world due to his bodybuilding success.

He has built an impressive social media following of nearly 1million.

He offers his own tips and tricks to fans who want to improve their fitness and has now won the sport’s top prize – made famous by the likes of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman – in its 60th year.

Dauda also won an incredible $600,000 (£460k) – the highest prize in Mr Olympia history – and was seen falling to the floor in tears after he was announced as the winner, before wife Marlena came on stage to share a kiss and cuddle.

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He finished ahead of Hadi Choopan, who was runner-up for the second year running, and 2023 winner Derek Lunsford.

After winning the title, he celebrated with a post on his Instagram of the trophy with the caption: “It’s Coming Home!”

Mr Olympia

Dauda is a bodybuilder living in the UK and is originally from Nigeria, earning him the nickname “Nigerian Lion”.

He was born in Lagos and moved to the UK as a teen, first playing rugby before team-mates encouraged him to take up bodybuilding – he entered his first competition in 2014.

Away from the sport, Samson, who came third in Mr Olympia last year, is married to wife Marlena and they live with their dog named Cerberus.

This is where he posts a lot of his content which involves his workouts, meal plans and overall bodybuilding updates.

As well as writing It’s Coming Home!, Samson posted a lengthy message in the aftermath of his incredible win.

The first-time winner took home a record prize pot of £460,000

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The first-time winner took home a record prize pot of £460,000Credit: Instagram

He wrote: ” OK… so how the hell do I even start.

“This weekend I achieved my life dream of becoming Mr Olympia and the best bodybuilder in the world… wow, that’s going to take some time to sink in.”

As well as thanking his sponsors and the sports governing body, he also posted a lengthy message to his wife.

It read: “To my amazing wife, how can a man ever be so lucky to have a woman like you… you gave up your career as a mental health professional at the highest level of the British legal system.

“To support me in this dream we have shared for 10 years together.

“Your selfless act of kindness to me and so many others has been nothing short of outstanding, time and time again.

“You are my lover, my partner, my heart, my best friend.

“Thank you for always being by my side and showing me what it truly means to be a man.”

Mr Motivator

Samson regularly posts motivational quotes and fitness inspiration for his followers.

One such example from 2024 read: “I am blessed. A few years ago, I couldn’t have pictured what it would be like to be in the position I am today.

“Dreaming of this success and what it would take to achieve it, seems like something out of a movie… it was just too hard to comprehend. Somedays it felt like I was just being delusional for trying to chase after it.

“Anger, resentment, frustration and impatience can be a lot to deal with when you are giving your all but getting barely anything back in return.”

Samson, 32, has built up quite the following

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Samson, 32, has built up quite the followingCredit: Instagram

He then explained that he used to be “embarrassed” when he would tell his colleagues he aimed to become a professional bodybuilder.

Samson added: “In the journey to achieving a dream, there will be doubts, there will be doubters and you will fall time and time again. You will contemplate giving up over and over again.

“The only thought I held on to was ‘it’s possible’ and if there is a way,…I will find it.”

Samson is popular on YouTube where he has 60,000 subscribers, as of September 2024.

This is where he shares longer videos where he gives followers in-depth guides to his workouts.

Samson Dauda has almost a million Instagram followers and offers fitness advice

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Samson Dauda has almost a million Instagram followers and offers fitness adviceCredit: Instagram

What is his bodybuilding record?

Samson’s bodybuilding career began in 2014 when he competed in a beginner competition, but the same day, the promoter invited him to take part in the main show.

He scooped first place and took the trophy home.

Since then, Samson has gone on to win several titles.

These include:

  • 2014 WABBA World Champs – 2nd
  • 2015 British Champs – 3rd
  • 2017 Amateur Diamond Cup – WINNER
  • 2019 British Grand Prix – 2nd
  • 2020 Monsterzym Pro – 2nd
  • 2021 Romanian Muscle Fest Pro – 2ns
  • 2021 EVLS Prague Pro – WINNER
  • 2021 KO Egypt Pro – 3rd
  • 2021 Arnold Classic UK – 2nd
  • 2023 Mr Olympia – 3rd
  • 2023 EVLS Prague Pro – WINNER
  • 2024 Arnold Classic US – 2nd
  • 2024 Arnold Classic UK – 2nd
  • 2024 France Pro – WINNER
  • 2024 Mr Olympia – WINNER

How much exercise should you do and when?

There are guidelines issued by the NHS and the Government regarding how much exercise people should do each day.

People should be active daily, and avoid sitting for long periods.

The NHS recommends an adults – those aged 19 to 64 – should aim for 150 minutes of “moderate intensity activity” a week.

This works out to 21 minutes a day, or 30 minutes five days a week.

Or, they could do 75 minutes of vigorous activity per week, which could be less than 11 minutes per day or 25 minutes three days a week.

Adults should also aim to do strength exercises twice a week, at least.

Examples of moderate-intensity activities include brisk walking, water aerobics, riding a bike, dancing, doubles tennis, pushing a lawn mower, hiking or rollerblading.

Examples of vigorous activities include running, swimming, riding a bike fast or on hills, walking up the stairs, sports, like football, rugby, netball and hockey, skipping, aerobics, gymnastics or martial arts.

Things like lifting heavy weights, sprinting up hills, spin classes or circuit training are considered very vigorous.

What time should you exercise?

Getting exercise into your day, no matter what time is a good idea.

But you may want to be more selective depending on your goal.

A 2023 US study on 5,285 middle-aged adults showed exercising between 7 and 9 am was the best time if you’re looking to lose weight.

Researchers found that early-bird gym goers had a lower body mass index (BMI) and waist circumference than those working out later.

A 2022 study led by Prof Paul J Arciero, Skidmore College, New York, found that the optimal time of day to get your kit on might differ according to your gender.

Prof Arciero said women wanting to lose fat around their belly and hips would do better to hit the gym in the morning, but those seeking to gain upper body strength or simply improve their mood might see more results from evening exercise.

The results were the opposite for men.

If you struggle to get to sleep, it’s been found that exercise in the morning may help, but exercise in the evening may help you to stay asleep.

Exercise, generally, can improve sleep quality.

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