Nigerian-born🇳🇬 British🇬🇧 bodybuilder Samson Dauda has won the 60th edition of the Mr. Olympia global competition, taking home the coveted title of Mr. Olympia 2024 and a record-breaking first prize of $600,000 (around N1 billion in Nigerian currency).
The event, held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Nevada, U.S.A🇺🇸, saw Dauda triumph over a stacked lineup of elite athletes, including runner-up Hadi Choopan and third-place Derek Lunsford.
A Journey of Dedication and Triumph
Dauda, who has been a prominent figure in the bodybuilding world since his debut in 2014, finally achieved his dream of becoming Mr. Olympia after finishing third in last year’s competition. His victory is a milestone in his career and cements Nigerians and the Nigerian diaspora as among the world’s top performers in any field.
Born on March 11, 1992, in Lagos, Nigeria, Dauda moved to the United Kingdom during his teenage years. Initially a rugby player, he discovered his passion for bodybuilding after being inspired by legendary bodybuilder Phil Heath at the 2013 Mr. Olympia.
His transition to bodybuilding was swift and marked by early success, earning him the IFBB Pro card in 2017 after winning the overall title at the IFBB Amateur Diamond Cup Rome.
After several years of competing in various bodybuilding competitions, he made his Mr. Olympia debut in 2022, finishing sixth. Last year, he improved his position, finishing third, setting the stage for his historic win this year.
A Champion’s Lifestyle
Dauda’s success is not just a result of his physical prowess but also his disciplined lifestyle and the happy marriage he shares with his wife, Marlena.
Although Mr. Samson Dauda prophetically shares a name with the biblical strongman, Samson, his wife Marlena is a far cry from Delilah, the Philistine. Dauda frequently speaks of Marlena’s crucial role in supporting his diet and overall well-being.
This victory as Mr. Olympia has potentially doubled Dauda’s net worth, previously estimated at half a million U.S. dollars.
What’s Ahead Now
Though Dauda has not specified his future plans, his triumph at Mr. Olympia 2024 points to a bright future in bodybuilding. At just 32 years old, his win over formidable competitors on a global stage should inspire other young Nigerians and Africans to pursue their dreams with faith, dedication, and determination.
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