:Ronnie Coleman

{{Short description|American former bodybuilder (born 1964)}}

{{For|the American football player|Ronnie Coleman (American football)}}

{{Use American English|date=November 2024}}

{{Use mdy dates|date=November 2024}}

{{Infobox bodybuilder

| name = Ronnie Coleman

| image = Ronnie Coleman Invited Guest.jpg

| caption =Coleman during a public appearance in 2014

| nickname = The King

| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1964|05|13}}

| birth_place =Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.

| height = {{convert|5|ft|11|in|cm|abbr=on}}{{cite web|title=Ronnie Coleman|url=http://www.bodybuildingpro.com/ronniecoleman.html|website=bodybuildingpro.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200808022900/http://www.bodybuildingpro.com/ronniecoleman.html|archive-date=August 8, 2020|access-date=March 20, 2022}}

| weight = Contest: {{convert|287-300|lb|kg|0|abbr=on}}
Off season: {{convert|315-330|lb|kg|abbr=on}}{{cite web |title=Ronnie Coleman Pro Bodybuilding Profile |url=https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/bodybuilders-ronnie.htm |website=Bodybuilding.com |access-date=March 30, 2022 |language=en |date=October 11, 2015}}{{cite web |last=Hall |first=Derek |date=November 7, 2021 |url=https://fitnessvolt.com/ronnie-coleman-330lb-mass-monster/ |title=Ronnie Coleman Flashes Back To Time As A 330lb Mass Monster: 'This Is The Biggest I've Ever Been!' |website=Fitness volt |access-date=March 30, 2022}}

| firstproshow = IFBB World Amateur Championships

| firstproshowyear = 1992

| bestwin = IFBB Mr. Olympia

| bestwinyear = 1998–2005

| predecessor = Dorian Yates

| successor = Jay Cutler

| yesorretiredyear = 1990{{ndash}}2007

}}

File:Ronnie Coleman talks about Mr Olympia Journey - Melbourne Australia 2009.OGG

Ronald Dean Coleman (born May 13, 1964) is an American former professional bodybuilder who is widely regarded as the greatest bodybuilder of all-time.{{cite web|last=Robson |first=David |url=http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/interview-ronnie-coleman.htm |title=An Interview with the Greatest Professional Bodybuilder Of All Time: 8 Time Mr. Olympia, Ronnie "The Greatest" Coleman! |publisher=Bodybuilding.com |date=February 6, 2015 |access-date=December 4, 2016}}{{cite web|last=Robson |first=David |url=http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/greatest-olympia-winner-of-all-time.htm |title=Who Is The Greatest Mr. Olympia Winner Of All Time? A Critical Review Of Past Mr. Olympia Champions! |publisher=Bodybuilding.com |date=April 10, 2015 |access-date=December 4, 2016}}{{cite web |url=http://www.allmaxnutrition.com/post-articles/news/mr-olympia-part-3-the-greatest-olympians-of-all-time/ |title=Mr. Olympia Part 3: The 6 Greatest Olympians of All Time |publisher=Allmaxnutrition.com |date=August 21, 2013 |access-date=December 4, 2016 |archive-date=November 23, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201123200929/https://allmaxnutrition.com/post-articles/news/mr-olympia-part-3-the-greatest-olympians-of-all-time/ |url-status=dead }}{{Cite web |url=https://www.hindustantimes.com/other-sports/2-7-kg-chicken-per-day-0-3-body-fat-how-ronnie-coleman-prepared-for-mr-olympia/story-hzMv8HSN5YAhGou0qQXHaI.html |title=Eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman |author=Yash Bhati |website= Hindustan Times |date=June 11, 2020 |access-date=May 24, 2022}} Known as "The King",{{cite magazine |last1=McNulty |first1=Rose |date=November 5, 2018 |title=Ronnie Coleman's Documentary Is Now Available on Netflix |url=https://www.muscleandfitness.com/athletes-celebrities/news/ronnie-coleman-s-documentary-now-available-netflix/ |magazine=Muscle & Fitness |access-date=July 14, 2024}} Coleman shares the all-time record for most Mr. Olympia titles at eight with Lee Haney.{{cite web |title=Joe Weider's Olympia Fitness & Performance Weekend |url=https://mrolympia.com/mr-olympia |work=Mr. Olumpia |access-date=July 14, 2024}} 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,{{Cite web |url=https://localconnecticut.net/ronnie-coleman-biography-mr-olympia-8-times-largest-successful-bodybuilding-career/ |title=Ronnie Coleman Biography: Mr. Olympia, 8 Times! Largest Successful Bodybuilding Career! |author=Localconnecticut.net |website= Localconnecticut.net |date=October 10, 2021 |access-date=May 24, 2022}} dominant body-parts{{Cite web |url=https://revolutionaryprogramdesign.com/ronnie-coleman-back/#:~:text=Ronnie%20had%20many%20standout%20body,part%20was%20his%20upper%20back. |title=The Ronnie Coleman Back Workout! |author= Dr. Mike Jansen |website= Revolutionaryprogramdesign.com |date=May 24, 2022 |access-date=May 24, 2022}}{{Cite web |url=https://revolutionaryprogramdesign.com/ronnie-coleman-legs/ |title=The Ronnie Coleman Leg Workout! |author=Dr. Mike Jansen |website= Revolutionaryprogramdesign.com |date=May 24, 2022 |access-date=May 24, 2022}} and extremely heavy workouts,{{Cite web |url=https://www.muscleandfitness.com/flexonline/training/10-training-tips-legendary-ronnie-coleman/ |title=THE LEGENDARY RONNIE COLEMAN |author= Greg Merritt |website= Muscle and Fitness |date=September 11, 2021 |access-date=May 24, 2022}} making him the strongest Mr. Olympia of all-time.{{Cite web |url=https://fitnessvolt.com/strongest-bodybuilders/ |title=12 Strongest Bodybuilders Of All Time |author= Tom Miller |website= Fitnessvolt.com |date=February 18, 2022 |access-date=May 24, 2022}}{{Cite web |url=https://www.muscleandfitness.com/flexonline/ifbb/9-strongest-bodybuilders-all-time/ |title=THE 9 STRONGEST BODYBUILDERS OF ALL TIME |author= Greg Merritt |website= Muscleandfitness.com |date=May 24, 2022 |access-date=May 24, 2022}}

Coleman was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2016{{cite web |title=2016 International Sports Hall of Fame Inductees |url=https://sportshof.org/2016-hall-of-fame/ |website=www.sportshof.org |author=Dr. Robert Goldman | date=March 15, 2016 | access-date=July 14, 2023}} and was bestowed with the 'Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award' in 2021.{{cite web |title=Eight-Time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman Receives Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award |url=https://barbend.com/ronnie-coleman-2021-arnold-classic-lifetime-achievement-award/ |website=www.barbend.com |author=Roger Lockridge | date=September 26, 2021 | access-date=July 14, 2023}}

Early life

Ronnie Dean Coleman was born on May 13, 1964, in Monroe, Louisiana 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 1989 with a BSc in accounting.{{cite web |url=http://www.mrofansite.com/coleman.html |title=Ronnie Coleman Stars of Bodybuilding |publisher=Mrofansite.com |access-date=December 4, 2016 |url-status=bot: unknown |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131210043039/http://www.mrofansite.com/coleman.html |archive-date=December 10, 2013 |date=September 16, 2016 }} While there, he played football as a middle linebacker with the Grambling State Tigers as a walk-on 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.Ronnie Coleman: The King (2018)

He then became a police officer in Arlington, Texas, serving as an officer from 1989 to 2000 and a reserve officer until 2003.{{cite web|last=Campbell|first=Elizabeth|title=Appeals court rules Arlington sperm donor doesn't owe child support|date=April 10, 2012|url=http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/04/09/3871461/appeals-court-rules-arlington.html#storylink=cpy|work=star-telegram.com|access-date=September 13, 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131203015538/http://www.star-telegram.com/2012/04/09/3871461/appeals-court-rules-arlington.html#storylink=cpy|url-status=dead}}

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.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7L3KwUDjpQ |title=Ronnie Coleman Old Footage with Brian Dobson |publisher=YouTube |date=July 27, 2012 |access-date=December 4, 2016}} 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{{cite web|url=https://barbend.com/ronnie-coleman/ |title=Ronnie Coleman — Bodybuilding Career, Competition History, and Biography |publisher=Roger Lockridge for www.barbend.com |date=August 16, 2023 |access-date=October 18, 2024}} 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 also 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 French Grand Prix, 6th place at 1993 IFBB German Grand Prix 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 constantly participated in powerlifting competitions.{{Citation|last=Ronnie Coleman|title=Ronnie Coleman's First Power Lifting Competition|date=January 29, 2014|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BuzeyFIYMSM|access-date=February 15, 2019}} In the same year, he secured 3rd place at 1994 IFBB French Grand Prix, 3rd place at 1994 IFBB German Grand Prix and 4th place at 1994 San Jose Pro Invitational.

= 1995 to 1997 =

In 1995 Coleman won his first pro show, 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 French Grand Prix, 6th place at 1995 IFBB Russian Grand Prix, 3rd place at 1995 IFBB Ukrainian Grand Prix, 6th place at 1995 Houston Pro Championships and 3rd place at 1995 Night of Champions.

In 1996 Mr. Olympia held in Chicago, Illinois, Coleman emerged 6th, winning $12,000 in the process. He also won 1996 Canada Pro Cup. Furthermore, he also secured 2nd place at 1996 Florida Pro Invitational, 5th place at 1996 IFBB English Grand Prix, 5th place at 1996 IFBB German Grand Prix, 5th place at 1996 IFBB Spanish Grand Prix and 2nd place at 1996 Night of Champions.

Around this time, Coleman started to compete prolifically, 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 won 1997 IFBB Russian Grand Prix and came 3rd at 1997 Ironman Pro Invitational and 1997 IFBB Finnish Grand Prix. However, at 1997 Mr. Olympia held in Long Beach, California he was dropped to 9th place.{{Cite web|url=http://www.getbig.com/results/e-mroly.htm|title=Mr. Olympia Contest Results|website=www.getbig.com|access-date=February 15, 2019}} He also secured 4th at 1997 Arnold Classic and 1997 IFBB Czech Grand Prix, 5th at 1997 IFBB English Grand Prix and 1997 IFBB German Grand Prix, 6th at 1997 IFBB Hungarian Grand Prix and 1997 San Jose Pro Invitational, and 7th at 1997 IFBB Spanish Grand Prix.

= 1998 =

In 1998, Coleman who had made dramatic improvements to his physique came to the 1998 IFBB Finnish Grand Prix with one of his best physiques ever.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xi835OUGOOU |title=Was The 1998 Finland Grand Prix RONNIE COLEMAN At His All-Time Best? |publisher=Mikey's Iron Rage |date=June 2, 2020 |access-date=October 18, 2024}} 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, also winning 1998 IFBB German Grand Prix, 1998 Toronto Pro and 1998 Night of Champions. Levrone stated "It was the beginning of the end, for me and every other bodybuilder".

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 {{convert|248|lb|kg|abbr=on|1|}} 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. Judges praised Coleman's superior back development, v-taper, conditioning and the posing routine which all aided his victory.{{Cite web |last=McGough |first=Peter |date= December 14, 2022|title=The 1998 Mr. Olympia |url=https://thebarbell.com/1998-mr-olympia/ |access-date=November 3, 2023 |website=The Barbell |language=en-US}}

= 1999 =

In 1999, Coleman went up against one of the most iconic and toughest lineups in bodybuilding history at 1999 IFBB English Grand Prix, 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' {{cite web|url=https://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/99_british_grand_prix.htm |title=Caught Somewhere In Time: The 1999 British Grand Prix! |publisher=Kerry Kayes for www.bodybuilding.com |date=January 14, 2019 |access-date=October 18, 2024}} and the final trio: Coleman, Wheeler and Levrone in this contest is regarded as the best top three ever on stage at the same time. Coleman's side chest pose from this competition ranks among the best ever.

At 1999 Mr. Olympia held at the iconic Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, Coleman successfully defended his title after defeating the likes of Wheeler, Chris Cormier, Levrone, Ray, El Sonbaty, Paul Dillett, Lee Priest, Mike Matarazzo, Jean Pierre Fux and Pavol Jablonický. He was heavier than last year at {{convert|257|lb|kg|abbr=on|1|}} but brought same level of dryness and conditioning.{{cite web|url=https://www.gmv.com.au/default.asp?pageid=products&template=PRODUCTCAT&catid=30&prodid=1897&site=1 |title=1999 Mr Olympia Pump Room & Behind the Scenes |publisher=www.gmv.com.au |date=March 14, 1999 |access-date=October 18, 2024}} Several experts and fellow IFBB pros 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 easily winning 2000 IFBB English Grand Prix and 2000 World Pro Championships. At 2000 Mr. Olympia held again at Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas, Coleman won his third consecutive title with it being also the third consecutive time he secured perfect scores following 1998 and 1999 (5 points in each four rounds during prejudging and finals for an ultimate score of 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 Mr. Olympia titles in a row.

= 2001 =

In 2001, Coleman started the year with winning the 2001 Arnold Classic. He is noted for his conditioning in this competition. 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 New Zealand Grand Prix.

At 2001 Mr. Olympia held again at Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas, he faced 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 in history to win both Mr. Olympia and Arnold Classic in the same calendar year.{{cite web|url=https://www.musclememory.com/show.php?a=Coleman,+Ronnie |title=Ronnie Coleman |publisher=www.musclememory.com |date=October 3, 2012 |access-date=October 18, 2024}}

= 2002 =

As advised by one of the judges the previous year, Coleman tried to come a bit leaner for the 2002 Mr. Olympia. Therefore instead of his standard 12-week cutting down period, he started 16 weeks prior which resulted in a slight loss of muscle mass which was clearly evident in his arms and legs. However, he edged Levrone to win his fifth consecutive title, in what happens to be a very close call according to many experts and critiques. Cormier took 3rd, Jackson took 4th and Günter Schlierkamp took 5th place. Bodyonics Pinnacle company gifted Coleman a Cadillac Escalade.{{cite web|url=http://www.bodybuildingpro.com/mrolympiareport2002.html|title=Mr. Olympia Report 2002|publisher=bodybuildingpro.com|access-date=December 23, 2012|archive-date=November 11, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121111154130/http://bodybuildingpro.com/mrolympiareport2002.html|url-status=dead}}

Coleman also won 2002 IFBB Dutch Grand Prix but came 2nd to Schlierkamp at 2002 Show of Strength Pro Championships, which was the only time he was defeated during his Olympia reign.

= 2003 =

In 2003, Coleman made massive improvements to his physique and came in for 2003 Mr. Olympia at a staggering {{convert|292|lb|kg|abbr=on|1|}} on-stage weight and ripped. Cutler, who had taken last year off described, even though he came well prepared and with confidence to dethrone the champion, the minute Coleman took his clothes off backstage, his mouth dropped and he knew it was game-over. Levrone quoted "Ronnie Coleman had reached a point, where he didn't look human backstage. It looked like a Silverback Gorilla. 'It' was part human, part gorilla". Jackson described him as the most dominant physique in history to ever grace a bodybuilding stage. Wheeler described Coleman's rear double biceps and rear lat spread poses were perfection from top to bottom and ranked the two poses among the greatest ever. Olympia head-judge Steve Weinberger said that Coleman brought a level of muscularity the world has never seen before or since. Coleman secured a perfect score and convincingly won his 6th title, tying his predecessor Yates as the joint-third most decorated Olympian in history. He also won his second Cadillac Escalade courtesy of Pinnacle Supplements.{{cite web|url=http://www.femalemuscle.com/wilkins/2003_olympia.html|title=The 2003 Mr. Olympia: Coleman Wows Sold Out Crowd!|date=October 26, 2003|publisher=femalemuscle.com|access-date=December 23, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207065735/http://www.femalemuscle.com/wilkins/2003_olympia.html|archive-date=February 7, 2012|url-status=dead}}

Coleman did one more show that year, 2003 IFBB Russian Grand Prix, coming in even bigger than he came for the Olympia. It was another easy victory, taking Coleman's IFBB winning tally to 20, equaling Levrone.

= 2004 =

At 2004 Mr. Olympia, for the first time judges initiated a challenge round, where the top 6 finalists called out each other for a one-on-one pose comparison of their choice. Overall scores after round three was discarded, and the new challenge round standings were used to decide the winner. Coleman who came even bigger at {{convert|296|lb|kg|abbr=on|1|}}, out-weighing even {{convert|285|lb|kg|abbr=on|1|}} Markus Rühl won the competition tying Schwarzenegger for 7 titles, becoming the joint-second most decorated Olympian in history. Cutler emerged 2nd to Coleman for the third time and Gustavo Badell secured 3rd place, followed by Jackson, Rühl and Schlierkamp.

Next came a phase where Coleman reached his heaviest ever on-stage weight, coming in between {{convert|301-305|lb|kg|abbr=on|1|}} for 2004 IFBB English Grand Prix, 2004 IFBB Dutch Grand Prix and 2004 IFBB Russian Grand Prix, winning all three and surpassing Vince Taylor to become the most decorated professional bodybuilder of all-time.{{cite web|url=https://fitnessvolt.com/16747/vince-taylor/ |title=Vince Taylor – Complete Profile: Height, Workout And Diet |publisher=www.fitnessvolt.com |date=December 11, 2023 |access-date=October 18, 2024}}

= 2005 =

At 2005 Mr. Olympia, announcer Mike Adamle introduced Coleman who was dressed in a medieval King's costume with the words "On the Seventh day God didn't rest, on the Seventh day God created Ronnie Coleman..." as Coleman held off Cutler, Badell, Schlierkamp, Víctor Martínez and James in a challenge round judged by previous rivals to win his 8th consecutive Mr. Olympia, equaling Haney as the most decorated Olympian in history.{{cite web|url=https://ifbbtv.com/video3/newsdesk_info.php/newsdesk_id/11|title=2005 Olympia Prize Money Breakdown|year=2005|publisher=ifbbtv.com}} As soon as he was crowned the 8x time champion, IFBB president Ben Weider indicated that Coleman goes down in history as the greatest Mr. Olympia of all-time. Coleman won his biggest prize money of $150,000 for his victory.

= 2006 to 2007 =

Coleman's dominant reign as Mr. Olympia finally came to an end in 2006 Mr. Olympia where four-times his runner-up Jay Cutler edged him to earn his first title. Coleman came with the biggest upper arms he ever posed on stage at over {{convert|24|in|cm|0|abbr=on}} in contest shape, but his clearly visible lat asymmetry cost him a 9th title. Coleman made his final appearance at 2007 Mr. Olympia where he placed 4th, and soon announced his retirement.{{cite web|url=http://www.getbig.com/results/e-mroly.htm|title=Mr. Olympia Contest Results|date=September 30, 2012|publisher=getbig.com}}{{Cite web |last=Merritt |first=Greg |date= October 21, 2023|title=The 2007 Mr. Olympia |url=https://thebarbell.com/2007-mr-olympia/ |access-date=November 5, 2023 |website=The Barbell |language=en-US}}

Personal life

In 1992, Coleman met Vickie Gates (who later went on to become 3x times IFBB Ms. International champion) at a local GNC store. She was his girlfriend for nearly 7 years.{{cite web|title=Vickie Gates, 3 time Ms. International |url=http://www.vickiegatesonline.com/profile.htm|work=NPC News|access-date=September 13, 2024|date=June 6, 2002|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050308182115/http://www.vickiegatesonline.com/profile.htm |archive-date=March 8, 2005 }} In 1998, Coleman met French-Lebanese personal trainer Rouaida Christine Achkar at a sports exposition in Paris,{{cite web|title=MEET THE MRS.|url=http://www.flexonline.com/general-news/meet-mrs|work=Flex Online|access-date=September 13, 2013|date=January 14, 2007}} and they got married in 2007. However, they divorced soon after.{{Cite web |last=Waruguru |first=Grace |date=January 27, 2022 |title=Who is Ronnie Coleman's wife? Does the bodybuilder have any kids? |url=https://www.tuko.co.ke/facts-lifehacks/celebrity-biographies/440260-who-ronnie-colemans-wife-does-bodybuilder-kids/ |access-date=October 21, 2022 |website=Tuko.co.ke - Kenya news. |language=en}}

In 2016, Coleman married his long time girlfriend, American personal trainer Susan Williamson.{{cite web|title=AFTER RECOVERY RONNIE COLEMAN MAKES MOVES TO ENTER NEXT PHASE OF HIS LIFE|url=http://generationiron.com/after-recovery-ronnie-coleman-makes-moves-to-enter-next-phase-of-his-life/|work=Generation Iron|access-date=September 13, 2016|date=April 11, 2016}} They reside in Arlington, Texas, along with their four daughters.{{cite web |last=Singh |first=Kunal |date=March 13, 2024 |url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/olympics/does-ronnie-coleman-children-all-know-bodybuilder-s-family |title=Does Ronnie Coleman have children? All we know about the bodybuilder's family |work=Sports Keeda |access-date=November 1, 2024}} Coleman is a devout Christian and a family man.{{cite web|last=Robson|first=David|title=An Interview With Seven-Time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman|url=http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/drobson91.htm|work=bodybuilding.com|access-date=September 13, 2013|date=July 20, 2005}}

Nutrition

Coleman was noted for eating around 6,000 calories a day during his prime.{{cite web |last=Wilson |first=Joe |date=August 30, 2024 |url=https://www.dmoose.com/blogs/athlete-profile-and-interview/what-was-ronnie-coleman-workout-split-and-routine-bodybuilding#:~:text=He%20consumes%20frequent%20servings%20of,calorie%20consumption%20is%205562%20calories |title=Ronnie Coleman's Diet |work=DMoose |access-date=August 30, 2024}} He also followed a strict diet regime sticking to basics such as grilled chicken breasts, turkey breasts, steak, egg whites, rice, baked potatoes and grits with cheese, eating six meals a day. His daily protein intake was 600g and the daily carbohydrate intake differed from 100-1000g depending on the cutting or bulking phase.{{cite web |last=Deokule |first=Ira |date=March 13, 2024 |title=How much did Ronnie Coleman eat during his prime? His diet explored|url=https://www.sportskeeda.com/us/olympics/how-much-ronnie-coleman-eat-prime-his-diet-explored |work=Sportskeeda |access-date=March 13, 2024}}

Health concerns

The extreme weights Coleman used over the years took a toll on his body, and he has undergone more than a dozen surgeries since 2007. These include double hip replacements and various attempts at alleviating chronic pain from damaged intervertebral discs{{Cite web|url=https://straighttalkingfitness.com/2016/02/15/ronnie-coleman-unable-to-walk-after-another-back-surgery/|title=Ronnie Coleman unable to walk after ANOTHER back surgery|date=February 15, 2016|website=Straight Talking Fitness|language=en|access-date=February 15, 2019}} costing millions.{{Cite web|url=https://fitnessvolt.com/29311/ronnie-coleman-cant-walk/|title=Ronnie Coleman: "I Might Never Walk Again" After Spending $2 Million On The Last 3 Surgeries - FitnessVolt|last=Miller|first=Tom|date=October 23, 2018|website=Fitness Volt|language=en-US|access-date=February 15, 2019}} Despite using a wheelchair[https://www.football24.news/sport-today/168314/he-was-the-best-bodybuilder-in-the-world-but-the-gym-ruined-his-body-and-at-56-he-uses-a-wheelchair-the-life-of-ronnie-coleman.html Coleman: Wheelchair for Life!] because he can no longer walk unassisted due to surgical procedures,{{cite web|last=Miller|first=Tom|title=Ronnie Coleman: "I Might Never Walk Again" After Spending $2 Million On The Last 3 Surgeries|url=https://fitnessvolt.com/29311/ronnie-coleman-cant-walk/|work=fitnessvolt.com|access-date=December 2, 2020|date=June 10, 2020}} Coleman continues to train, but uses only light weights now.{{Cite web|url=https://www.menshealth.com/trending-news/a19056896/ronnie-coleman-is-still-hitting-the-gym-despite-several-surgeries/|title=Ronnie Coleman Is Still Hitting the Gym Despite Several Surgeries|author=Jack Crosbie|date=March 3, 2018|website=Men's Health|access-date=April 11, 2018}} Coleman has always said that he does not regret his choices and admits that he was determined to be the best bodybuilder he could be at any cost; even saying that, if anything, he regrets not having done even more to consolidate his legacy.

Physical statistics

File:Ronnie Coleman 8 x Mr Olympia - 2009 - 2 (cropped).png

  • Height: {{convert|5|ft|11|in|cm|abbr=on}}
  • Contest weight: {{convert|287-300|lbs|kg|0}}
  • Off-season weight: {{convert|315-330|lbs|kg|0}}{{cite web |last=Hall |first=Derek |date=November 7, 2021 |url=https://fitnessvolt.com/ronnie-coleman-330lb-mass-monster/ |title=Ronnie Coleman Flashes Back To Time As A 330lb Mass Monster: 'This Is The Biggest I've Ever Been!' |website=Fitness volt |access-date=March 30, 2022}}
  • Chest / Back: {{convert|60|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}
  • Arms: {{convert|24|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}
  • Legs: {{convert|36|in|cm|0|abbr=on}}{{Cite web |url=https://playersbio.com/ronnie-coleman/ |title=Who is Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman? More about him |author=playersbio.com |website= playersbio.com |date=November 24, 2021 |access-date=May 24, 2022}}

Famous lifts

  • Deadlift: {{convert|800|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} × 2 reps (The Unbelievable, 2000)
  • Squat: {{convert|800|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} × 2 reps (The Cost of Redemption, 2003)
  • Bench press: {{convert|500|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} × 5 reps (The Cost of Redemption, 2003)
  • Dumbbell Bench press: {{convert|200|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} Dumbbells × 12 reps (The Unbelievable, 2000)
  • Military press: {{convert|315|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} × 12 reps (The Unbelievable, 2000)
  • Dumbbell Shoulder press: {{convert|160|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} Dumbbells × 7 reps (The Cost of Redemption, 2003)
  • Bent-over row: {{convert|515|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} × 10 reps (Relentless, 2006)
  • T-bar (corner) row: {{convert|540|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} × 9 reps (The Unbelievable, 2000) & {{convert|505|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} x 12 reps (Relentless, 2006)
  • Front Squat: {{convert|585|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} × 4 reps (The Unbelievable, 2000)
  • Hack Squat: {{convert|765|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} × 8 reps (The Unbelievable, 2000)
  • Lunges: {{convert|185|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} × 20 reps per leg (The Unbelievable, 2000)
  • Barbell Shrugs: {{convert|735|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} × 11 reps (The Cost of Redemption, 2003)
  • Dumbbell Shrugs: {{convert|250|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} Dumbbells × 15 reps (Relentless, 2006)
  • Calf raises: {{convert|540|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} × 20 reps (Relentless, 2006)
  • Leg press: {{convert|2400|lb|kg|abbr=on|0|}} × 8 reps (The Cost of Redemption, 2003)

Bodybuilding chronology

class="wikitable"

!Year

!Competition

!Result

1990

|Mr. Texas {{small|(Heavyweight & Overall)}}

|style="background: gold;"|1st

1990

|NPC Nationals {{small|(Heavyweight)}}

|style="background: #c96;"|3rd

1991

|NPC Nationals {{small|(Heavyweight)}}

|4th

1991

|NPC USA Championships {{small|(Heavyweight)}}

|14th

1991

|World Amateur Championships {{small|(Heavyweight)}}

|style="background: gold;"|1st

1992

|Chicago Pro Championships

|11th

1992

|Night of Champions

|14th

1992

|Mr. Olympia

|16th

1993

|Grand Prix France

|4th

1993

|Grand Prix Germany

|6th

1993

|Niagara Falls Pro

|6th

1994

|Grand Prix Germany

|style="background: #c96;"|3rd

1994

|Mr. Olympia

|15th

1994

|San Jose Pro Invitational

|4th

1995

|Canada Pro Cup

|style="background: gold;"|1st

1995

|Grand Prix France

|4th

1995

|Grand Prix Russia

|6th

1995

|Grand Prix Ukraine

|style="background: #c96;"|3rd

1995

|Houston Pro Championships

|6th

1995

|Night of Champions

|style="background: #c96;"|3rd

1995

|Mr. Olympia

|11th

1996

|Canada Pro Cup

|style="background: gold;"|1st

1996

|Florida Pro Invitational

|style="background: silver;"|2nd

1996

|Grand Prix England

|5th

1996

|Grand Prix Germany

|5th

1996

|Grand Prix Spain

|5th

1996

|Night of Champions

|style="background: silver;"|2nd

1996

|Mr. Olympia

|6th

1997

|Arnold Classic

|4th

1997

|Grand Prix Czech Republic

|4th

1997

|Grand Prix England

|5th

1997

|Grand Prix Finland

|style="background: #c96;"|3rd

1997

|Grand Prix Germany

|5th

1997

|Grand Prix Hungary

|6th

1997

|Grand Prix Russia

|style="background: gold;"|1st

1997

|Grand Prix Spain

|7th

1997

|Ironman Pro Invitational

|style="background: #c96;"|3rd

1997

|Mr. Olympia

|9th

1997

|San Jose Pro Invitational

|6th

1998

|Grand Prix Finland

|style="background: gold;"|1st

1998

|Grand Prix Germany

|style="background: gold;"|1st

1998

|San Francisco Pro

|style="background: silver;"|2nd

1998

|Night of Champions

|style="background: gold;"|1st

1998

|Mr. Olympia

|style="background: gold;"|1st

1998

|Toronto Pro Invitational

|style="background: gold;"|1st

1999

|Grand Prix England

|style="background: gold;"|1st

1999

|Mr. Olympia

|style="background: gold;"|1st

1999

|World Pro Championships

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2000

|Grand Prix England

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2000

|Mr. Olympia

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2000

|World Pro Championships

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2001

|Arnold Classic

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2001

|Mr. Olympia

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2001

|Grand Prix New Zealand

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2002

|Grand Prix Holland

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2002

|Mr. Olympia

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2002

|Show of Strength Pro Championships

|style="background: silver;"|2nd

2003

|Grand Prix Russia

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2003

|Mr. Olympia

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2004

|Grand Prix England

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2004

|Grand Prix Holland

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2004

|Grand Prix Russia

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2004

|Mr. Olympia

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2005

|Mr. Olympia

|style="background: gold;"|1st

2006

|Grand Prix Austria

|style="background: silver;"|2nd

2006

|Grand Prix Holland

|style="background: silver;"|2nd

2006

|Grand Prix Romania

|style="background: silver;"|2nd

2006

|Mr. Olympia

|style="background: silver;"|2nd

2007

|Mr. Olympia

|4th

Filmography

class="wikitable"

!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

See also

References

{{reflist}}