Ronnie Coleman Then and Now: Bodybuilding icon's inspiring journey through the years
Ronnie Coleman's shocking transformation
Ronnie Coleman, the legendary bodybuilder with 8 Mr Olympia victories and 26 IFB professional titles, is the most successful name in the bodybuilding industry. Through intense training, 59-year-old Coleman has achieved one of the most dominant bodybuilding physiques the world has ever seen. But his journey is a story of resilience, how he overcame his fall, an injury that confined him to a wheelchair, and the undying spirit to survive physical limitations.
1990: Ronnie Coleman enters the world of bodybuilding
While serving as a police officer in Arlington, Texas, he ventured into professional bodybuilding on the recommendation of a colleague. He won first place in the heavyweight and overall categories at the 1990 Mr. Texas bodybuilding competition. His first professional victory was at the 1995 Canada Pro Cup. He defended his victory in 1996. His success continued until the 1997 Russian Grand Prix.
1996: Ronnie Coleman's first brush with injury
Coleman's extreme workout, including squats and 800lbs weightlifts, took a toll on his body. In 1996, he dislocated a disk due to a brutal squatting routine. However, he never knew his negligence in seeking immediate medical assistance would change his life and career forever in a few years.
1998: First Mr Olympia win
1998 marked a milestone in Coleman's bodybuilding career. Despite his slow progress into the professional bodybuilding circle, he paved the way for a success story by winning the Mr Olympia title in 1998, defeating Kenneth Wheeler. He never looked back until 2005 by defending the title for eight consecutive years.
2007: Ronnie Coleman's deteriorating health
The injury in 1996 turned Coleman's success journey upside down. Heavy lifting, along with the untreated injury, caused a severe spinal problem along with injuries on the back, shoulder, hips, and neck. His persistent workout routines caused a herniated disc, and since 2007, he has undergone 13 surgeries. These procedures included two hip replacements and surgeries for relieving chronic pain caused by damaged intervertebral discs, forcing him to retire. The legendary bodybuilder became incapacitated and was confined to a wheelchair.
Post-surgery journey: Ronnie Coleman's unparalleled resolve
Coleman is still wheelchair-bound and relies on walking sticks. However, this has not prevented him from training hard. Though his ability to walk again without support remains in question, Coleman began a new life of willpower that proved his physical limitations would not stop him from sweating it out. He remains active in the bodybuilding and fitness industry and trains with light weights. His resolve, combined with exercises, helped him regain some of his mobility, and he can walk with support. A healthy lifestyle, sufficient protein intake, and ceaseless exercise made him a motivational icon for the fitness industry. Coleman is still not ready to rest, even after setbacks. He owns and runs the Ronnie Coleman Signature Series, which provides health supplements, sports nutrition, and clothes for athletes, bodybuilders, and gym enthusiasts.