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Ronnie Coleman

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For the American football player, see Ronnie Coleman (American football).

Ronnie Coleman
Bodybuilder
Coleman during a public appearance in 2014
Personal info
NicknameThe King
Born (1964-05-13) May 13, 1964 (age 60)
Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.
Height5 ft 11 in (180 cm)[1]
WeightContest: 287–300 lb (130–136 kg)
Off season: 315–330 lb (143–150 kg)[1][2][3]
Professional career
Pro-debut
  • IFBB World Amateur Championships
  • 1992
Best win
PredecessorDorian Yates
SuccessorJay Cutler
Active1990–2007
Coleman talking about his journey in October 2009

Ronald Dean Coleman (born May 13, 1964) is an American retired professional bodybuilder, who is widely regarded as the greatest bodybuilder of all-time.[4][5][6][7] Known as "The King",[8] Coleman shares the all-time record for most Mr. Olympia titles at eight with Lee Haney.[9] The winner of 26 IFBB professional titles including the Mr. Olympia for eight consecutive years, he is also renowned for his combination of size and conditioning,[10] dominant body-parts[11][12] and extremely heavy workouts,[13] making him the strongest Mr. Olympia of all-time.[14][15]

Coleman was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2016[16] and was bestowed with the 'Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award' in 2021.[17]

Early life

Ronnie Dean Coleman was born on May 13, 1964 in Monroe, Louisiana[2] to Jessie Coleman and Jessie Benton Coleman. He was raised in a household that emphasized hard work and commitment. He graduated cum laude from Grambling State University in 1984 with a BSc in accounting.[18] While there, he played football as a middle linebacker with the Grambling State Tigers under Hall of Fame coach Eddie Robinson.

After graduation, he failed to find work as an accountant and instead went to work at Domino's Pizza, where he would eat the complimentary pizza every day due to being so poor that he could barely afford to eat outside of work.[19]

He then became a police officer in Arlington, Texas, serving as an officer from 1989 to 2000 and a reserve officer until 2003.[20]

Bodybuilding career

1990 to 1991

Coleman's fellow officer Gustavo Arlotta suggested he attend the 'Metroflex Gym', owned by amateur bodybuilder Brian Dobson. Dobson offered Coleman a free lifetime membership if he allowed Dobson to train him for the upcoming 1990 Mr. Texas bodybuilding competition.[21] After training for Mr. Texas, Coleman won first place in both the heavyweight and overall categories. He also managed to defeat Dobson himself. Then he participated at the 1990 NPC Nationals, winning 3rd place at the Heavyweight division.

Following year, Coleman turned pro[22] and emerged 4th place at the 1991 NPC Nationals Heavyweight division. He also decisively won 1991 IFBB World Amateur Championships's Heavyweight division.

1992 to 1994

Coleman's rise to the top of bodybuilding was relatively slow. In his first participation at the Mr. Olympia contest: 1992 Mr. Olympia held in Helsinki, Finland he ended up becoming the last (16th place). He emerged 14th at the 1992 Night of Champions and 11th at the 1992 Chicago Pro Championships.

In 1993 Coleman did not take part in Mr. Olympia, but managed a 6th place at 1993 Chicago Pro Championships, 4th place at 1993 IFBB Grand Prix France, 6th place at 1993 IFBB Grand Prix Germany and 6th place in 1993 Niagara Falls Pro.

In 1994 Mr. Olympia held in Atlanta, Georgia, Coleman ended up being the 15th. The top athletes were continuously improving with Dorian Yates taking bodybuilding to the next level, and Coleman also increased the weights and intensity of his workouts. He also participated in powerlifting competitions.[23] He also secured 3rd place at 1994 IFBB Grand Prix France, 3rd place at 1994 IFBB Grand Prix Germany and 4th place at 1994 San Jose Pro Invitational.[22]

1995 to 1997

In 1995 Coleman won his first competition as a professional, winning 1995 Canada Pro Cup. He also improved on his placement at Mr. Olympia, emerging 11th at 1995 Mr. Olympia held in Atlanta, Georgia. He also secured 4th place at 1995 IFBB Grand Prix France, 6th place at 1995 IFBB Grand Prix Russia, 3rd place at 1995 IFBB Grand Prix Ukraine, 6th place at 1995 Houston Pro Championships and 3rd place at 1995 Night of Champions.[22]

In 1996 Mr. Olympia held in Chicago, Illinois, Coleman made it to the top 6, winning $12,000 in the process. He also won 1996 Canada Pro Cup, winning it for the second consecutive year. Furthermore, he also secured 2nd place at 1996 Florida Pro Invitational, 5th place at 1996 IFBB Grand Prix England, 5th place at 1996 IFBB Grand Prix Germany, 5th place at 1996 IFBB Grand Prix Spain and 2nd place at 1996 Night of Champions, making his name included among the best bodybuilders of the world.

Around this time, Coleman started to prolifically compete, traveling around the world and taking trains instead of flights because it was all what he could afford, and kept up with the top athletes. He managed to win 1997 IFBB Grand Prix Russia and came 3rd at 1997 Ironman Pro Invitational and 3rd at 1997 IFBB Grand Prix Finland. However, at 1997 Mr. Olympia held in Long Beach, California he was dropped to 9th place.[24] He also secured 4th at 1997 Arnold Classic, 4th at 1997 IFBB Grand Prix Czech Republic, 5th at 1997 IFBB Grand Prix England, 5th at 1997 IFBB Grand Prix Germany, 6th at 1997 IFBB Grand Prix Hungary, 6th at 1997 San Jose Pro Invitational and 7th at 1997 IFBB Grand Prix Spain.[22]

1998

In 1998, Coleman who had made dramatic improvements to his physique came to the 1998 IFBB Grand Prix Finland with one of his best physiques ever.[25] He defeated Kevin Levrone and Nasser El Sonbaty to win the title and started getting recognition for his 'wide and thick' back development. Both of Coleman's back poses: rear double biceps and rear lat spread were recognized as well as his front double biceps pose from this competition ranks among the best ever. He continued his success by also wining the 1998 IFBB Grand Prix Germany, 1998 Toronto Pro and 1998 Night of Champions.

When Dorian Yates won his final title before retiring the previous year, 1998 opened the door for a new Mr. Olympia champion. Flex Wheeler was favored to become the titleholder, with predominant competition coming from Levrone, El Sonbaty and Shawn Ray. However, Coleman, whose quadruple victories already in the calendar year had considerably elevated his esteem and brought further improvements, weighing 112.5 kg (248 lb) on stage, shredded to the bone, to defeat Wheeler, El Sonbaty, Levrone and Ray to win the 1998 Mr. Olympia held at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York. He won a cash prize of $110,000.[24] Judges praised Coleman's superior back development, v-taper, conditioning and the posing routine which all aided his victory.[26]

1999

In 1999, Coleman went up against one of the toughest lineups in bodybuilding history at 1999 IFBB Grand Prix England, where he emerged victorious after defeating Wheeler, Levrone, Dexter Jackson, Milos Sarcev, El Sonbaty and Markus Rühl who all came in with some of their best physiques ever. The competition went on to be known as 'The Greatest Show on Earth' [27] and the final trio: Coleman, Wheeler and Levrone in this contest is regarded as the best top three ever on stage.

At 1999 Mr. Olympia held for the first time at Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Coleman successfully defended his title after defeating Wheeler, Chris Cormier, Levrone and Ray. He was heavier than last year at 116.5 kg (257 lb) and brought near same level of dryness and conditioning from last year.[28] Several experts and fellow IFBB pro's including Milos Sarcev recognize this version to be Coleman's best physique. He also won 1999 World Pro Championships and still was working full-time at Arlington Police Department, being 2x Mr. Olympia champion.

2000

Coleman started 2000 with winning 2000 IFBB Grand Prix England and 2000 World Pro Championships. At 2000 Mr. Olympia held again at Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas, Coleman won this third consecutive title with the third time securing perfect scores following 1998 and 1999 (5, 5, 5, 5 for 20). Levrone emerged second, Wheeler third, Ray fourth and El Sonbaty fifth. Coleman also became only the sixth person after Sergio Oliva, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Frank Zane, Haney and Yates to win 3 titles in a row.

2001

In 2001, Coleman started the year with winning the 2001 Arnold Classic with arguably the most ripped conditioning he bought to a stage. In addition to the prize money, he won a Hummer H1. Cormier emerged 2nd while Dennis James took 3rd. Then he proceeded to win 2001 IFBB Grand Prix New Zealand.

At 2001 Mr. Olympia held at Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas, he face a formidable challenge from upcoming Jay Cutler, but successfully defended his title with a four-point lead to win his 4th consecutive Mr. Olympia title. Coleman also made history by becoming the first person to win both Mr. Olympia and Arnold Classic in the same calendar year.

2002

Coleman defended his title all the way through the 2005 contest, earning a total of eight consecutive victories and tying Lee Haney as the most successful Mr. Olympia in history. In 2001, he became the first man to win both the Arnold Classic and the Mr. Olympia titles the same year (only Dexter Jackson has repeated this feat, in 2008). Coleman's reign as Mr. Olympia came to an end in 2006 when Jay Cutler, the three-time consecutive runner-up heading into the contest, finally earned his first win. It was only the second time in contest history that a reigning multi-champion Mr. Olympia had lost his title (as opposed to retiring). The previous instance occurred when Arnold Schwarzenegger defeated Sergio Oliva in 1970. Coleman made his final Mr. Olympia appearance in 2007, placing 4th.

Coleman posing in October 2009

With his trademark high-pitched voice, some of the vocal gimmicks Coleman popularized in his training videos have become commonplace in the global bodybuilding community, especially after the advent of viral videos.[29] The most popular of these, which he regularly shouted to himself as a form of self-encouragement, include "Yeah buddy!", "Light weight, baby!", "Ain't nothin' but a peanut!", "Ain't nothin' to it, but to do it!", and "Everybody wants to be a bodybuilder, but nobody wants to lift no heavy-ass weights".[30]

Coleman's success as a professional bodybuilder has led to many product endorsements and other opportunities in his career, which he has traveled the world to promote.[31] He has made many guest appearances around the world. Movie director Mitsuru Okabe made three training videos of Coleman: The Unbelievable,[32] The Cost of Redemption,[33] and On the Road.[34] In these videos, he gives tips for more experienced weightlifters, while warning against overexertion and improper form.

In 2018, Vlad Yudin documented Coleman's life and career in the Netflix documentary Ronnie Coleman: The King.[19] For the film's credits, rapper Quan made a song called "Flexin' on Them (Ronnie Coleman)" inspired by Coleman's bodybuilding career.[35]

Legacy

Coleman was the recipient of the 2001 Admiral in the Texas Navy Certificate Award from Texas Governor Rick Perry for outstanding achievements in bodybuilding and for the promotion of physical fitness.[36] In 2011, he launched Ronnie Coleman Signature Series, a company that provides sports nutrition and wellness products for bodybuilders and other athletes.[37]

Personal life

Coleman is a devout Christian.[38] He met French-Lebanese personal trainer Rouaida Christine Achkar at a sports exposition in Paris in March 1998,[39] and they were married in Beirut on December 28, 2007. They divorced soon after.[40] Coleman married American personal trainer Susan Williamson on April 11, 2016.[41] They reside in Arlington, Texas, and have four children together.[19]

The extreme weights Coleman used over the course of his career competing as a powerlifter and bodybuilder, such as squats and deadlifts with 800 lbs, took a toll on his body and he has undergone numerous surgeries since 2007. These include two hip replacements and various attempts at alleviating chronic pain from damaged intervertebral discs.[42] He has continued to train despite his deteriorated condition, but can only use light weights now, to try to prevent muscle loss as of 2018,[43] and some of his surgeries (each one costing between $300,000 and $500,000) had such poor outcomes that he may never be able to walk unassisted again.[44] Coleman uses a wheelchair if he has to travel long distances.[45] However, he has said that he does not regret his choices and admits that he was determined to be the best bodybuilder at any cost; he said that, if anything, he regrets not having done even more to consolidate his legacy.[42]

In June 2020, Coleman revealed that he can no longer walk unassisted due to surgical procedures.[46] Saying that he may never walk again, Coleman blamed his problems on questionable surgeries and noted that his last three surgeries cost a total of $2 million.

Coleman supports the Inner-City Games, an organization co-founded by Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1991.

Physical statistics

Coleman in 2009
  • Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)[1][2]
  • Contest weight: 287–300 pounds (130–136 kg)[1][2]
  • Off-season weight: 315–330 pounds (143–150 kg)[1][2][3]
  • Chest / Back: 60 in (152 cm)[1]
  • Arms: 24 in (61 cm)[1][2]
  • Legs: 36 in (91 cm)[47]

Famous lifts

  • Deadlift: 800 lb (363 kg) × 2 reps (The Unbelievable, 2000)
  • Squat: 800 lb (363 kg) × 2 reps (The Cost of Redemption, 2003)
  • Bench press: 500 lb (227 kg) × 5 reps (The Cost of Redemption, 2003)
  • Dumbbell Bench press: 200 lb (91 kg) Dumbbells × 12 reps (The Unbelievable, 2000)
  • Military press: 315 lb (143 kg) × 12 reps (The Unbelievable, 2000)
  • Dumbbell Shoulder press: 160 lb (73 kg) Dumbbells × 7 reps (The Cost of Redemption, 2003)
  • Bent-over row: 515 lb (234 kg) × 10 reps (Relentless, 2006)
  • T-bar (corner) row: 540 lb (245 kg) × 9 reps (The Unbelievable, 2000) & 505 lb (229 kg) x 12 reps (Relentless, 2006)
  • Front Squat: 585 lb (265 kg) × 4 reps (The Unbelievable, 2000)
  • Hack Squat: 765 lb (347 kg) × 8 reps (The Unbelievable, 2000)
  • Lunges: 185 lb (84 kg) × 20 reps per leg (The Unbelievable, 2000)
  • Barbell Shrugs: 735 lb (333 kg) × 11 reps (The Cost of Redemption, 2003)
  • Dumbbell Shrugs: 250 lb (113 kg) Dumbbells × 15 reps (Relentless, 2006)
  • Calf raises: 540 lb (245 kg) × 20 reps (Relentless, 2006)
  • Leg press: 2,400 lb (1,089 kg) × 8 reps (The Cost of Redemption, 2003)

Filmography

Year Film
1998 Ronnie Coleman: The First Training Video
2000 Ronnie Coleman: The Unbelievable
2003 Ronnie Coleman: The Cost of Redemption
2006 Ronnie Coleman: Relentless
2008 Ronnie Coleman: Invincible
2009 Ronnie Coleman: The Last Training Video
2018 Ronnie Coleman: The King

Bodybuilding titles

Year Title(s)
1990 Mr. Texas (heavyweight & overall)
1991 World Amateur Championships (Heavyweight)
1995 Canada Pro Cup
1996 Canada Pro Cup
1997 Grand Prix Russia
1998 Mr. Olympia,[24] Night of Champions, Toronto Pro Invitational, Grand Prix Finland, Grand Prix Germany
1999 Mr. Olympia,[24] World Pro Championships, Pride Grand Prix England
2000 Mr. Olympia,[24] World Pro Championships, Mr. Brody Langley, Grand Prix England
2001 Mr. Olympia,[24] Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic, New Zealand Grand Prix
2002 Mr. Olympia,[24] Grand Prix Holland
2003 Mr. Olympia,[24] Grand Prix Russia
2004 Mr. Olympia,[24] Grand Prix England, Grand Prix Holland, Grand Prix Russia
2005 Mr. Olympia[24]
2006 Mr. Olympia 2nd, Grand Prix Austria, Grand Prix Holland, Grand Prix Romania
2007 Mr. Olympia 4th

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f g "Ronnie Coleman". bodybuildingpro.com. Archived from the original on August 8, 2020. Retrieved March 20, 2022.
  2. ^ a b c d e f "Ronnie Coleman Pro Bodybuilding Profile". Bodybuilding.com. October 11, 2015. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  3. ^ a b Hall, Derek (November 7, 2021). "Ronnie Coleman Flashes Back To Time As A 330lb Mass Monster: 'This Is The Biggest I've Ever Been!'". Fitness volt. Retrieved March 30, 2022.
  4. ^ Robson, David (February 6, 2015). "An Interview with the Greatest Professional Bodybuilder Of All Time: 8 Time Mr. Olympia, Ronnie "The Greatest" Coleman!". Bodybuilding.com. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
  5. ^ Robson, David (April 10, 2015). "Who Is The Greatest Mr. Olympia Winner Of All Time? A Critical Review Of Past Mr. Olympia Champions!". Bodybuilding.com. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
  6. ^ "Mr. Olympia Part 3: The 6 Greatest Olympians of All Time". Allmaxnutrition.com. August 21, 2013. Archived from the original on November 23, 2020. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
  7. ^ Yash Bhati (June 11, 2020). "Eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman". Hindustan Times. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  8. ^ McNulty, Rose (November 5, 2018). "Ronnie Coleman's Documentary Is Now Available on Netflix". Muscle & Fitness. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  9. ^ "Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend". Mr. Olumpia. Retrieved July 14, 2024.
  10. ^ Localconnecticut.net (October 10, 2021). "Ronnie Coleman Biography: Mr. Olympia, 8 Times! Largest Successful Bodybuilding Career!". Localconnecticut.net. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  11. ^ Dr. Mike Jansen (May 24, 2022). "The Ronnie Coleman Back Workout!". Revolutionaryprogramdesign.com. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  12. ^ Dr. Mike Jansen (May 24, 2022). "The Ronnie Coleman Leg Workout!". Revolutionaryprogramdesign.com. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  13. ^ Greg Merritt (September 11, 2021). "THE LEGENDARY RONNIE COLEMAN". Muscle and Fitness. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  14. ^ Tom Miller (February 18, 2022). "12 Strongest Bodybuilders Of All Time". Fitnessvolt.com. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  15. ^ Greg Merritt (May 24, 2022). "THE 9 STRONGEST BODYBUILDERS OF ALL TIME". Muscleandfitness.com. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
  16. ^ Dr. Robert Goldman (March 15, 2016). "2016 International Sports Hall of Fame Inductees". www.sportshof.org. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  17. ^ Roger Lockridge (September 26, 2021). "Eight-Time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman Receives Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award". www.barbend.com. Retrieved July 14, 2023.
  18. ^ "Ronnie Coleman Stars of Bodybuilding". Mrofansite.com. September 16, 2016. Archived from the original on December 10, 2013. Retrieved December 4, 2016.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: bot: original URL status unknown (link)
  19. ^ a b c Ronnie Coleman: The King (2018)
  20. ^ Campbell, Elizabeth (April 10, 2012). "Appeals court rules Arlington sperm donor doesn't owe child support". star-telegram.com. Archived from the original on December 3, 2013. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  21. ^ "Ronnie Coleman Old Footage with Brian Dobson". YouTube. July 27, 2012. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
  22. ^ a b c d "Ronnie Coleman — Bodybuilding Career, Competition History, and Biography". Roger Lockridge for www.barbend.com. August 16, 2023. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  23. ^ Ronnie Coleman (January 29, 2014), Ronnie Coleman's First Power Lifting Competition, retrieved February 15, 2019
  24. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Mr. Olympia Contest Results". www.getbig.com. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  25. ^ "Was The 1998 Finland Grand Prix RONNIE COLEMAN At His All-Time Best?". Mikey's Iron Rage. June 2, 2020. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  26. ^ McGough, Peter. "The 1998 Mr. Olympia". The Barbell. Retrieved November 3, 2023.
  27. ^ "Caught Somewhere In Time: The 1999 British Grand Prix!". Kerry Kayes for www.bodybuilding.com. January 14, 2019. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  28. ^ "1999 Mr Olympia Pump Room & Behind the Scenes". www.gmv.com.au. March 14, 1999. Retrieved October 18, 2024.
  29. ^ "Ronnie Coleman Signature Series – Yeah Buddy Light Weight Baby Coffee Mug – White". Ronnie Coleman Signature Series. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  30. ^ "YEAH BUDDY - How the Phrase Started - Ronnie Coleman". YouTube. February 22, 2016. Retrieved May 29, 2019.
  31. ^ Donnelly, Allan (September 19, 2008). "Flexonline Interview: Ronnie Coleman". flexonline.com. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  32. ^ "Ronnie Coleman: The Unbelievable!: Ronnie Coleman, Mitsuru: Movies & TV". Amazon. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
  33. ^ "Ronnie Coleman: The Cost of Redemption: Ronnie Coleman, Mitsuru: Movies & TV". Amazon. November 8, 2005. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
  34. ^ "Ronnie Coleman: On the Road: Ronnie Coleman: Movies & TV". Amazon. March 7, 2006. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
  35. ^ "Flexin on Them Ronnie Coleman". Amazon Music. June 22, 2018.
  36. ^ "Ronnie Coleman Launches Enterprise Venture". Prweb.com. May 24, 2011. Archived from the original on May 27, 2011. Retrieved December 4, 2016.
  37. ^ "About Ronnie Coleman". ronniecoleman.net. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  38. ^ Robson, David (July 20, 2005). "An Interview With Seven-Time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman". bodybuilding.com. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  39. ^ "MEET THE MRS". Flex Online. January 14, 2007. Retrieved September 13, 2013.
  40. ^ Waruguru, Grace (January 27, 2022). "Who is Ronnie Coleman's wife? Does the bodybuilder have any kids?". Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. Retrieved October 21, 2022.
  41. ^ "AFTER RECOVERY RONNIE COLEMAN MAKES MOVES TO ENTER NEXT PHASE OF HIS LIFE". Generation Iron. April 11, 2016. Retrieved September 13, 2016.
  42. ^ a b "Ronnie Coleman unable to walk after ANOTHER back surgery". Straight Talking Fitness. February 15, 2016. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  43. ^ Jack Crosbie (March 3, 2018). "Ronnie Coleman Is Still Hitting the Gym Despite Several Surgeries". Men's Health. Retrieved April 11, 2018.
  44. ^ Miller, Tom (October 23, 2018). "Ronnie Coleman: "I Might Never Walk Again" After Spending $2 Million On The Last 3 Surgeries - FitnessVolt". Fitness Volt. Retrieved February 15, 2019.
  45. ^ Coleman: Wheelchair for Life!
  46. ^ Miller, Tom (June 10, 2020). "Ronnie Coleman: "I Might Never Walk Again" After Spending $2 Million On The Last 3 Surgeries". fitnessvolt.com. Retrieved December 2, 2020.
  47. ^ playersbio.com (November 24, 2021). "Who is Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman? More about him". playersbio.com. Retrieved May 24, 2022.
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Preceded by Mr. Olympia
1998–2005 		Succeeded by
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