Samson Dauda is on the mend after falling ill following his second-place showing at the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio. In recent Instagram stories posts, Dauda opened up on his health scare and confirmed his participation in the 2024 Arnold Classic UK contest from March 15-17 in Birmingham, England.
“I’ve gotten so much love the past 24 hours man, you know what damn, I can’t even go through them all. I really appreciate it,” said Dauda. “It’s been a lot and going through so much.”
Since taking third place at the 2023 Olympia competition, it’s been a wild ride for Samson Dauda, who remains one of the biggest stars of the Men’s Open division. Instead of resting on his laurels, Dauda claimed two consecutive victories at the Romania Muscle Fest Pro and EVLS Prague Pro. From there, he committed to the 2024 Arnold Classic Ohio and UK events.
When it was time to challenge for the title in Ohio, former 2023 AC champ Dauda’s fullness and shape carried him to second place behind the newly crowned titleholder Hadi Choopan. While Dauda had already set his sights on the Arnold UK show, his entrance was in jeopardy after he revealed that he needed to head to the hospital due to his ‘body failing.’
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Fortunately, Dauda has updated his fans on the setback and has recommitted to competing next weekend. He explains that he is on antibiotics but intends to battle in his backyard of Birmingham, England despite falling under the weather.
Samson Dauda to Compete at 2024 Arnold Classic UK, Details Health Issues
After seeing the doctor, Dauda believes fans made his health seem worse than it was.
“In terms of where we are at right now, we’ve just seen my doctor yesterday, obviously yesterday, I said I wasn’t feeling too well.
But, I don’t know why people blow this shit out and make it crazier than what they think it is. I’ve heard all sorts of speculations and everything else.”
He elaborated on his body’s vulnerability post-show, stressing that interactions at busy events such as the Arnold Classic Expo made him especially susceptible to illness.
“I said yesterday, look, when you’re that low of body fat and you’re that low calories and you spend so many days around very very busy events for non-stop and you’re pushing to be dry and everything else, your body is vulnerable and susceptible to catch things, being susceptible to the cold and flu and those types of things — it comes with it, there’s nothing shocking about it.”
“My voice is still groggy as hell I’m still feeling rough as hell this morning but we’re feeling a lot better and I feel like I’m on the other side of it. People just want something to talk about.”
Now on antibiotics for a cough, Dauda reports that he is feeling better thanks to some much-needed rest.
“Yesterday, we got antibiotics because of this cough coming out of my chest. Finally got a good sleep last night, and feeling a lot fresher this morning.”
He also mentioned that the 2024 Arnold Classic UK means more to him than most events because it will take place in his hometown where friends and family can watch him perform live.
“I was shocked at how bad I felt those last few days,” shared Dauda. This show is happening in my hometown and friends and family haven’t seen me compete since I did the Arnold UK in 2021.”
Even though Dauda expressed doubt about his participation, he reaffirmed his entry to the delight of his fanbase:
“I’m psyched out and ready to go to this one. This one, for me, is personal. It’s for people that I love and care about. This one, it’s like UK stand-up.
We’ve been representing you for long enough having a show right here at home in our back garden. I wasn’t going to miss that show for anything, so yes. I am definitely doing the Arnold UK next week. Don’t believe anything you hear anywhere else.”
Doctors have advised Dauda to rehydrate and he said he is feeling better as a result.
“Don’t believe the hype. I’m going to be there, I’m going to be there, I’m going to be rocking it and coming in form and doing what we do. With that said, where are we at with everything, the doctors advised me to get hydrated fast because you’re obviously dehydrated from the last show.”
“The more I’m drinking and the better I’m feeling,” said Dauda. “With that said, it’s happening, it’s going down, I really appreciate the love and support. Someone blew it way out of order, way out of there. With that said guys, I appreciate your support and love but we got a battle to do next week. I’m buzzing. UK… we coming baby, let’s do what we do.”
It should also be noted that Samson Dauda recently parted ways with his coach, Milos Sarcev.
Here is Sarcev’s statement:
“After 2.5 years and 13 shows together – this was our “last dance”.
Needless to say – I am beyond proud of Samson and what he has accomplished in a very short time that we worked together.
He has completely transformed his physique and morphed himself into one of the very best bodybuilders in a World and a greatest threats for the Mister Olympia title.As the whole World knows – with improved conditioning (that we failed to bring) he would be extremely hard to beat.
Wishing Samson (and Marlena) all the best in the World and most importantly for Samson – fulfilment of his destiny. #TheNext” shares Milos Sarcev.
Dauda has been one of the most active Open competitors in the IFBB Pro League as of late. Notable figures in the sport like coach Chris Aceto and former Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout have expressed concern about Dauda possibly burning out from peaking for multiple shows throughout his competitive season.
With less than two weeks until competitors square off at the 2024 Arnold Classic UK, time will tell how Dauda looks and performs on stage. If the UK Open lineup stays intact, fans anticipate another battle with former Mr. Olympia Hadi Choopan.
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