There are legendary athletes, and then there is Ronnie Coleman, the GOAT of bodybuilding. The eight times Mr. Olympia had surpassed human potential to deliver a monstrous physique, inspiring awe and shock. Furthermore, his reign on the performing stage displayed years of work ethic and ironclad discipline. Moreover, the King never failed to impress people with his super-sized physique and conditioned muscularity. His leg and lower back development made him look like a giant walking the earth. Shockingly, Coleman took to this sport due to a fortunate twist.
Coleman’s muscle definition and dogged persona impressed even UFC commentator Joe Rogan, who runs “The Joe Rogan Experience” podcast. In a YouTube short posted by Atomic Pod, Rogan shows his admiration for the King. The snippet is a throwback clip from the JRE podcast, episode #1489, June 10, 2020. Like many others, the TV presenter was flabbergasted that bodybuilding was not the icon’s first career choice.
It surprised Joe Rogan that Ronnie Coleman took up the sport late in his career
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In the Atomic Pod video, Joe Rogan found it hard to believe Coleman did not nurture a dream to lift the Sandow trophy and yet did supremely well. The astounded podcaster said, “I can’t believe that you didn’t really get serious until after you won Mr. Olympia; that’s hard to believe. Recollecting the incident that catapulted Coleman into honing his skills, the King replied, “Never had any dreams of being a Mr. Olympia. I’ve never had any dreams of being a bodybuilder. I only did it because the guy gave me a free membership to the gym.” The IFBB pro earned his first title in 1998 when he was still working as a police officer.
Rogan observed that this seemingly innocuous reason helped Coleman find his true calling. His reign on the bodybuilding stage unleashed a mass-monster physique the world had never witnessed. “I watched a video of you working out once, and I like just the intensity and thinking like this guy’s doing this for 12 weeks straight…” added Rogan. Furthermore, the commentator acknowledged the king’s effort in pulling massive weights to grow his muscles consistently for hours. He commented, “Champions have a certain level of focus and dedication, and I remember watching that video. That’s what a champion looks like. “
The bodybuilding arena is indebted to the 8-time Mr. Olympia for transitioning from a fearsome cop into a bodybuilder. The masterful behemoth was once a humble police officer. In the same interview with Joe Rogan, the bodybuilder with more Sandow trophies than Arnold Schwarzenegger, highlighted his journey to the glorious stage was fraught with hardships.
Coleman’s meager means became a reason for his success
On the JRE podcast, Coleman narrated the story of his being mega-successful. The former Fear Factor host asked if bodybuilding was a dream. Coleman said, “No, no, I did it because they gave me a free membership to the gym…. I just wanted a free membership because I was poor back then. I couldn’t, you know, afford to pay for a gym membership.”
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Furthermore, the ex-sheriff revealed, “I had to eat pizza every day to survive because I couldn’t make the best money. By the time I got into the police department, I was still struggling and trying to get back on my feet, and I couldn’t afford a membership. Coleman’s honesty shook Rogan to the core. The humility of the behemoth Hall of Fame inductee was surprising and touching at the same time. Coleman also discussed his injuries caused by pushing his body to its limits. Although the King has had over 13 surgeries and needs a wheelchair for movement, he does not show an ounce of regret. The adoration and laurels act as a cushion for his challenging physical health. Have you checked out the podcast? Let us know in the comments.
Watch This Story: 8x Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman’s Philosophy Would Forever Changed The Way You Look At Your Life
