“I Could Walk Back Then”: Despite Enduring Immense Pain in Wheelchair, Ronnie Coleman Made a Lighthearted Joke Looking at an Old Footage (2022)

There are some legends in the history of bodybuilding whose names evoke a deep sense of respect. One of them is an eight-time Mr. Olympia who raised the standards of the sport to an unimaginable level. The bodybuilding juggernaut unleashed the mass monster phase in the early 2000s. His jacked physique became the poster image of bodybuilding. However, the iconic athlete also had to go through immense pain after pushing his body to its limits. Despite the challenges, Ronnie Coleman always spreads positivity and never loses a chance to make some light-hearted comments. 

In 2022, Coleman appeared on the Don’t Be Sour Podcast and delved deeper into his journey towards greatness. In the earlier parts of the interview, the host shared an old photograph. The King made a surprising statement after seeing the picture.

Ronnie Coleman makes a playful remark

Maxx Chewning was jubilant to host Mr. Olympia on the show. Moreover, he reminisced about a particular time when he was near the legend himself. He informed Coleman that the duo had a video together in 2014 and shared it with Coleman. “I could walk back then,” said the King, looking at the video.

The host further explained the premise of the video: “I was actually there; I was collaborating with this guy, Chris Jones, and I was doing deadlifts in the same room as you. You were lifting like 15 feet away, we hung out back then.” To the uninformed, Coleman had a history of surgeries after he retired in 2007. The bodybuilding behemoth had to undergo thirteen surgeries and a few more because of lower back issues and a herniated disc. 

Coleman’s painful past

The Hall of Famer wanted to achieve unparalleled success in sports. For that, he focused on intensive training. However, one thing that the 26-time IFBB Pro title holder neglected was his health. In 1996, the ex-cop had his disc dislocated. But it wasn’t until 2007 that the gnawing pain made him seek medical treatment. 

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After multiple surgeries to treat scar tissue in the back, herniated discs, and other injuries, the legend lost his ability to walk. The Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement winner confirmed the news in an interview with Muscular Development Magazine. However, the athlete has no qualms about his past. He achieved what many can only dream of. Moreover, with the help of stem cell therapy, Coleman has brought down his pain levels. Unfettered by the challenges, the mass monster hero maintains a constant presence in the bodybuilding circuit.

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