Ronnie Coleman is one of the most celebrated bodybuilding champions in the industry. The former police officer, and eight-time Mr. Olympia winner, might not be able to do splits on stage anymore, but his legacy lives on. He won his first Arnold Classic, and his first Olympia in 2001, and started making history. Now his opinion is taken as the last word. Recently, he predicted who might become the next Mr. Olympia, in 2023.

The King appeared in the YouTube video of Rx Muscle- The Truth in Bodybuilding, and gave his prediction of the next winner of the Sandow trophy. Let’s see who his choice of contender is.

Ronnie Coleman decides on the next Olympia winner

During the 2023 Dubai Pro, Coleman was joined by Rx Muscle’s Siddique Farooqi, who took a short interview with him, and asked him several questions about bodybuilding. He asked Coleman the most important thing that everyone wants to know from him. Farooqi asked, “Who do you like about this upcoming Olympia opinion, will we see Hadi Choopan or somebody else be hoisting the Sandow?”

The King was very diplomatic in his answer, and said, “You never know. Derek Lunsford looked real good last year I said he’s gonna get second.” He had predicted that Lunsford would be second in the 2022 Olympia, and he was right. Lunsford also issued a statement saying that he would be better next year.

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Coleman wants to believe in the IFBB pro, and he said, “Well I am gonna say I think we are gonna have a new Mr. Olympia and that’s gonna be Derek Lunsford.” Coleman might have a soft spot for the 2021, 212 Olympia division winner since he had worked out with his predicted winner before as well. The 215 lbs “Wolf, is on the prowl” for the Sandow trophy as a fan had pointed out in a previous post. 

Ronnie Coleman spends time with Lunsford

In a previous YouTube video, the Hall of Famer was seen working out with Lunsford. He was going through a grueling back and bicep workout with a young bodybuilder. The 58-year-old said while working out, “And like I say, your day is coming. You heard it here first! But again, it’s a secret, so don’t tell anybody. The next Mr. Olympia is right here at the office.”

Derek Lansford already has the vote of confidence from the 8-time Olympia winner and he heard it from the legend himself. The 30-year-old bodybuilder was humbled by the King and his prediction. Lunsford showed his gratitude to Coleman, and added, “Thanks, man. Out of everybody, it means coming the most from you, believe me.”

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Do you agree with Coleman and think that Lunsford can win this time? Tell us your Olympia winner predictions in the comments below.