“Don’t Die On Us Ronnie”: 8-Time Olympia Winner Ronnie Coleman’s Tale of His Near Brush With Death, Got the Bodybuilding World Worried About Him

While the glitz and glamor of the sport of bodybuilding might feel attractive for once, the sport comes with its own set of challenges as well. If the recent deaths of many renowned bodybuilders have taught us anything, it is that bodybuilding is not a sport but more of a lifestyle. And embracing a lifestyle full of strict dieting, intense workouts, and many other restrictions is not everyone’s cup of tea.

8X Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman has inspired countless individuals through his dedication and achievements in the realm of bodybuilding. During a podcast with Bradley Martyn, Coleman revealed a horrifying tale of his near-death experience due to dehydration on the morning of his 2001 Mr. Olympia show.

Ronnie Coleman recalls the near-fatal incident before the 2001 Mr. Olympia

As the bodybuilding fans eagerly awaited ‘The King’ to lift the Sandow trophy for the fourth time in his career, little did they know that Coleman was fighting his own battles just moments before the show. Weeks before the competition, Coleman was on a strict diet and training intensely. As a result of pushing his body way past its limits, Coleman woke up in a state of extreme dehydration on the morning of the show. “I woke up the morning of Olympia, I felt awful. I was totally dehydrated to the point where I felt like I was kind of dying,” recalled Coleman, as seen in a YouTube clip.

Continuing further, Coleman stated, “I call my nutrition [nutritionist] I say, hey, forget this show. I’m going to the hospital. I’m not going to die for this sport…He’s like “No, you worked too hard I’ll tell you what you do. Just grab a gallon of water and drink as much as you can.” Adding to this, Ronnie said, “I grabbed a gallon of water, and I drink the whole thing, and I felt good… I felt okay.”

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Coleman concluded by admitting that he felt better after having that gallon of water. When he stepped on the stage, it was like nothing even happened. Coleman managed to bag his fourth consecutive Mr. Olympia title. Unfortunately, it was not the end of the pain and trauma for Ronnie Coleman. He underwent multiple surgeries to deal with his back issues, which were the result of years of intense training. Fans were terrified after knowing this story and expressed their emotions in the comments section of the video clip.

How did the fans react to this revelation?

One of the fans rightfully pointed out in the comments, saying, “This is one dangerous Sport ngl.” While another fan applauded bodybuilders’ dedication and determination by stating, “The stuff these guys do to be at their best at the show and even the diets they keep… much respect!! I’d never do it.”

Another fan appreciated Coleman’s work ethic by saying, “Good thing because that would have been the difference between 7 or 8 Olympia titles,” while another fan commented, “Don’t die on us Ronnie!” Many fans also applauded his physique back in the day, writing, “That black and white pic of him…damn he was huge the king!”

Watch This Story: Strongest Bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman’s Reason for Lifting Weights in College Was Beyond Any Desire To Win 8 Mr. Olympia Titles

What are your views on Ronnie Coleman’s determination toward the sport of bodybuilding? Let us know in the comments.