Dorian Yates was born on April 19, 1962, in Birmingham, England. He began bodybuilding at the age of 21 after being inspired by a photo of Arnold Schwarzenegger. Yates quickly made a name for himself, winning the Mr. Birmingham title in 1984 and the Mr. Britain title in 1985. In 1991, he won his first Mr. Olympia title, and he went on to win the title six more times, in 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, and 1997.