2009, Daniel found back his focus again and was ready to compete, he was bigger than ever, his offseason bodyweight was 107 kg, He trained with former Olympia contender Tommi Thorvildsen. He was considered the favourite to win the nationals. four weeks before the competition, he was going to do a photo shoot for a magazine, at the shoot he manage to tore his thighs. He continued his diet, and competed injured at a bodyweight of 95 kg at SM where he became medalist.