'%20x='0'%20y='0'%20height='100%25'%20width='100%25'%20%0A%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20%20xlink%3Ahref='data:image/jpg;base64,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'%3E%3C/image%3E%3C/svg%3E)
Bodybuilding icon Samson Dauda recently reflected on his 2024 Arnold Classic loss to Hadi Choopan on social media. Dauda has been a witness to countless triumphs throughout his career. With multiple IFBB Pro wins under his belt, Dauda has defeated many bodybuilding giants.
After a phenomenal victory at the 2023 Arnold Classic, Dauda was aiming for a second consecutive victory at this year’s edition. However, Iranian bodybuilding sensation Hadi Choopan left the world amazed with his astounding physique and won the title.
While the defeat must have been a little tough to accept at first, the 32-year-old didn’t believe he was robbed of the title. In a recent Instagram Q&A session, a fan inquired about Samson Dauda's perspective on his loss to Hadi Choopan at the Arnold Classic, specifically asking if Dauda believed he should have been the champion. Reacting to this, Dauda stated:
“No, because Hadi won the Arnold Classic fair and square. Look I'm a grown man. When the judges make a call, that is their call, that is their decision. Whether I agree with it or don't..that is none of my business. I don't care.”
The sport of bodybuilding is a subjective one. To the general population, every athlete on the professional bodybuilding stage looks equally impressive. However, the judges, who have been in the industry for years, have an X-ray vision.
While the judging can be based on a ton of parameters, Samson Dauda believes there’s no benefit from overthinking or blaming the judges. He advocates for accepting the decision, progressing forward, and addressing personal shortcomings as the most sensible approach.
“You are a grown man. Move on…You've to get some maturity because it doesn't work like that. Anybody could win or lose any day. This is the sport we're in..be mature enough to understand it,” Dauda further stated.
Samson Dauda and Hadi Choopan’s impressive sportsmanship
Hadi Choopan had faced intense criticism from bodybuilding fans following his abrupt departure from the Mr. Olympia 2023 stage after losing the competition. The precise reason behind Choopan's reaction remains unclear. Nevertheless, the 2024 Arnold Classic provided fans with the opportunity to witness an extremely heartwarming moment between Samson Dauda and Hadi Choopan.
After this year’s results were announced, Hadi Choopan dethroned Samson Dauda and secured first place at Arnold Classic 2024. Despite the loss, Dauda extended a congratulatory hug to Choopan, showcasing sportsmanship. Posting a picture of the moment on his Instagram, Dauda wrote:
“When two warriors battle head to head. At their best, there can be nothing but love and respect left in the end...my brother @hadi_choopan I love you....you are truly a great champion. Congratulations.”
