Jay Cutler, crowned with a Lifetime Achievement award at the Arnold Classic 2024, took center stage to honor his longtime rival and idol, Ronnie Coleman. Amid cheers and applause, Cutler playfully called out, “Where’s Ronnie Coleman? He better be here.” The irony of a victorious rival seeking his defeated counterpart added a touch of humor to the occasion.
Cutler, the four-time Mr. Olympia champion, candidly acknowledged Coleman’s pivotal role in shaping his journey. “You’re the reason, you are the reason for my abilities. My greatness. I owe everything to you because you pushed me to do everything on the Olympia stage and beyond. And you are a huge, huge inspiration,” declared Cutler.
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Additionally, “You are my idol. I ended up beating you my idol but I love you,” he declared, grinning. The playful banter continued as he reminisced about overcoming his idol on the Olympia stage, a feat that added a sweet twist to their competitive camaraderie.
The 50-year-old showcased gratitude and shared snippets of their experiences, from intense gym sessions where Coleman “kicked my a**” to the camaraderie of guest posing, dining, and training together. In a heartfelt tribute, he labeled Ronnie Coleman as the “greatest bodybuilder of all time,” emphasizing the profound impact Coleman had on the bodybuilding sport. Undoubtedly, Cutler and Coleman were the greatest rivals on stage.
Before winning the prestigious Mr. Olympia title, he competed against reigning champ Ronnie Coleman, finishing second in 2001, 2003, 2004, and 2005. However, in 2006, he defeated the eight-time Sandow trophy winner, marking a pivotal moment in his career and establishing himself as one of the sport’s legends. Recently, the bodybuilding beast shared his experience defeating Coleman.
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Jay Cutler’s emotional confession years after defeating Coleman
Their fierce rivalry captivated fans and competitors, but Cutler recently made a heartfelt confession about his victory over Ronnie Coleman in 2006. In an interview snippet shared by Muscle Mind Media, Cutler revealed the deep bond that formed between them after their intense battles. Despite winning, Cutler confessed that he didn’t beat Coleman at his best, acknowledging the passage of time. Coleman, aiming for a historic ninth title, faced immense pressure, leaving Cutler conflicted about his win.
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He empathized with Coleman, understanding the emotional toll of defeat on the eight-time champion. Cutler admitted, “He was going for his record, number nine. A lot of publicity going into the show, but I felt bad for Ronnie. I felt bad winning, which is weird, because, you know It was everything to him.” Reflecting on their rivalry, Cutler expressed respect and empathy for his competitors, emphasizing the personal and emotional aspects of their friendship and respect for each other beyond the competitive arena.
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