In the annals of bodybuilding history, few names resonate as profoundly as Ronnie Coleman, the eight-time Mr. Olympia whose colossal physique and unwavering mentality left an indelible mark on the sport.
In a recent YouTube video, ‘The King’ himself provided a rare glimpse into the mindset that fueled his championship reign.
The Rise of a Bodybuilding Legend
During the 1990s and 2000s, Ronnie Coleman emerged as the uncontested ruler of the Men’s Open division.
His journey to the top culminated in 1998 when he clinched his first Mr. Olympia title, defeating the formidable Flex Wheeler.
From that moment, Ronnie Coleman’s life mission became clear – to remain the undisputed number one bodybuilder on the planet.
However, in 2006, a stubborn Jay Cutler ended Ronnie Coleman’s reign, claiming the coveted Mr. Olympia title.
Despite this, Ronnie Coleman’s legacy endures, and his winning recipe continues to inspire bodybuilding enthusiasts worldwide.
The Winning Mentality of Ronnie Coleman
In the Rx Muscle video, Ronnie Coleman emphasized his championship mentality, drawing parallels with current Classic Physique Olympia champion Chris Bumstead.
Ronnie Coleman’s approach was simple – he competed against himself. As he succinctly put it, “I can’t control what any other competitor is going to do.”
Reflecting on a memorable battle with Gunter Schlierkamp, Ronnie Coleman recounted the moment when competitors tried to dethrone him from the Mr. Olympia throne.
“The only competitor that I was competing against was myself. I can control what I do. I can’t control what any other competitor is going to do. So they kind of let Gunter get in front of me, and I’m like okay, I see what’s going on here. They want to go to war, and I’m the right guy to take them to war.”
This revelation sheds light on Ronnie Coleman’s unparalleled drive – a relentless commitment to excellence that set him apart from his rivals.
Going to War: The Ronnie Coleman Way
Ronnie Coleman vividly described his response when competitors aimed to wrest the Mr. Olympia crown from him.
While he typically took three months of rest and recovery post-competition, there were years when that wasn’t an option.
“After every Mr. Olympia, I would always take three months to let my body heal, and rest, when they tried to take it away from me. Oh no! Ain’t no resting this year. Ain’t no healing this year. We are going to war. And every day I was in the gym, that was my motto. If they want to go to war, I’ll take them to war, and that’s exactly what I did.”
According to Ronnie Coleman, achieving greatness demands a “whatever it takes” mentality.
To be the best in the world, one must embrace an unyielding passion and an unwavering commitment to victory.
“That’s how you win and show you are the champion and you’re going to be the champion because you have that much passion for it.
No matter what, you are going to win that show. You do whatever it takes, and that’s exactly what I did. Whatever it took. No resting.”
Life Beyond the Stage
In his post-competitive years, Ronnie Coleman has been an ambassador for bodybuilding, sharing his experiences openly.
In a recent Q&A with strongman legend Brian Shaw, Ronnie Coleman reflected on his illustrious career, revealing insights into his max stage weight, retirement life, and the physical toll his body has endured.
Despite enduring 13 back surgeries and struggling to walk without assistance, Ronnie Coleman remains resilient.
Stem cell procedures have become a vital resource in alleviating his pain and enhancing his overall well-being, showcasing a commitment to embracing new avenues for a better quality of life.
Legacy of Ronnie Coleman
As the echoes of Ronnie Coleman’s victories under the Mr. Olympia lights reverberate through time, his legacy stands as a testament to unmatched strength and dedication.
The eight-time Mr. Olympia remains a paragon of the sport, his story a source of inspiration for generations of bodybuilders.
In the realm of bodybuilding, where champions are measured not just by titles but by the spirit that propels them forward, Ronnie Coleman stands as a true titan, forever etched in the pantheon of greatness.