As 2023 draws to a close, Sergio Oliva Jr. sets eyes on the 2024 Arnold Classic, signaling a bold new chapter in his bodybuilding career. Recently, during an interview on RX Muscle’s YouTube channel, he shared significant changes in his professional path. Most notably, he announced his move from longtime coach Chris Aceto to Neil Hill, a coach known for guiding multiple champions.
Moreover, Oliva Jr. revealed a surprising addition to his team. He will now train under six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates. This mentorship signals a major shift in both strategy and intensity. With the 2024 Arnold Classic fast approaching, the decision could reshape his prep entirely.
Now, Oliva Jr. appears focused on reinvention. After a competitive year of highs and setbacks, he’s taking clear steps forward. Aligning with Hill and Yates may offer the structure and pressure needed to reach a new level.
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In 2023, Sergio Oliva Jr. faced a difficult test of resilience. Earlier that year, a serious car accident halted his momentum and cast uncertainty over his future. However, after being cleared of any wrongdoing, he made a determined return to the stage. Then, at the 2023 Musclecontest California Pro, he claimed a strong third-place finish. Now, with the 2024 Arnold Classic ahead, Oliva Jr. stands ready to begin a bold new chapter marked by recovery, drive, and renewed ambition.
Oliva Jr. Teams Up with Yates for 2024 Arnold Classic Preparation
Now, Sergio Oliva Jr. is making a strategic move. He has partnered with six-time Mr. Olympia winner Dorian Yates. Together, they are targeting the 2024 Arnold Classic.
“As for the bodybuilding news of what you’re speaking of is Dorian Yates will be training me. I don’t even know what to say. It’s kind of like a thing that happened on accident and now it’s the most exciting thing I think I’ve ever had happen.”
“Neither [of us approached each other] we have a mutual friend someone I knew who was living in Venice then I moved to Dubai and he was here, which it’s a small small world. I was telling him how I want to get on my Spanish it’s very important to me and I want to prep for my next show outside of Dubai.
Unfortunately because of the case I had the traffic accident, it’s just put a bad vibe on me being here. I cannot think about prepping for another show here. No matter what i was going to leave. Running into this guy who is friends with Dorian, who is like, ‘Oh you should train at this guy, it’s the gym he trains at.’ Next thing I know me and Dorian are hanging out and talking about training me for the Arnold Classic. It’s just one of those things, this is how life is supposed to happen I guess.”
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Building on lessons from Chris Cormier’s time with Dorian Yates, Sergio Oliva Jr. aims for more than just bodybuilding skills. Instead, he seeks to learn how to overcome challenges with grace and calm—traits that defined Yates’ six-time Olympia reign.
“After Cormier was competing in the Olympias for years he then went out and stayed with Dorian. And Dorian was the first person who taught him how to properly train. If you talk to Cormier today, he’ll tell you how upset he is that it took so long for him to go out there and learn this type of training — it completely changes the whole difference of having good genetics and looking good and actually just transforming your body completely to your full potential.”
“I can’t imagine how it’ll be from the actual Miyagi himself. But for the life aspect of it… it’s one really good thing that I got from Aceto. If anything, he probably taught me more about life and being a good person.”
“Just talking to Dorian, this new him where you can turn it on and see him and he’ll even say himself that sometimes he has to calm himself down because he’ll injure himself. He’s still got that dog in him. But his philosophical way of looking at life and handling problems is definitely something that I will learn from and I need to learn from,” said Sergio Oliva Jr.
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Sergio Oliva Jr.’s shift from Chris Aceto to Neil Hill wasn’t just a professional move. For Oliva Jr., it was about personal evolution. Despite the change, he holds Aceto in the highest regard, stating that he’s “the best person I’ve met in my life.”
“I think that’s something a lot of people don’t talk about and they don’t realize themselves when you go to a new coach that new coach can sometimes do a lot better because you did the trial and error with the past guy for so long now Neil my new coach can ask me a question, ‘Does this work and does this work?’ And I have those answers, rather than me and Aceto, me being 20-something years old weighing 100 pounds less figuring it out as we go. I think it’s good I’ve learned so much from him and now I kind of want to take that into the next level and really the mystery of going into a show not knowing what’s going to happen that’s exciting again.”
“Chris is the best person I’ve met in my life but of course easily in this industry. I was just talking to him this morning. I just got back from Spain last night and I was sending him some pictures from there, so it’s never going to be anything like that.”
“How many people with Chris have bad-mouthed Chris? Yeah, there’s a lot of coaches, sometimes it’s the athletes, sometimes it’s the coaches, but Chris has coached everybody. Who has ever been like ‘Oh, Chris screwed me over’. He doesn’t. He kills himself for his clients. I’ve seen this guy take care of his clients better than himself. There’s no way someone could have a problem with him.”
While the Olympia stage still awaits, many veteran voices already view Sergio Oliva Jr. as a serious contender. Earlier this year, 1983 Mr. Olympia Samir Bannout publicly praised Oliva Jr.’s potential to win the sport’s top honor. Moreover, Bannout emphasized that a change in mindset could unlock that next level. Now, as Oliva Jr. considers moving countries and prepares under the watchful eye of Dorian “The Shadow” Yates, expectations are growing. Clearly, fans are eager to see what he brings to the 2024 Arnold Classic in early March.
For an in-depth look into Oliva Jr.’s insights, the full interview is available on the Rx Muscle YouTube channel:
Overview
As 2023 draws to a close, Open bodybuilder Sergio Oliva Jr. announces major shifts in his coaching lineup. Revealed on RX Muscle’s YouTube, Oliva Jr. moves from Chris Aceto’s guidance to Neil Hill, with the highlight being his training under six-time Mr. Olympia winner, Dorian Yates, for the 2024 Arnold Classic. Carrying the legacy of his legendary father, Sergio Oliva, known as “The Myth”, Oliva Jr. has shown remarkable prowess in his career, and these changes herald anticipation for his performance at the upcoming Arnold Classic.
Featured Image – Sergio Oliva Jr. Sets Eyes on 2024 Arnold Classic Training with Dorian Yates – Credit: @thedorianyates, @sergioolivajr (Instagram)
