8 Times Mr. Olympia Had No Choice but to Consume Steroids to Compete Against the “Best Guys in the World”

Ronnie Coleman never wanted to pursue professional bodybuilding. He was happy with his responsibilities as a Police officer. However, there was one passion that kept him going. Juggling in between his hectic schedule, Ronnie made sure to hit the bench on time. His love for getting bigger muscles kept him going. Thus, when he was offered ‘free gym membership, the Police officer could hardly say ‘no’ for an answer.

He knew his journey was never going to be easy. To compete, Ronnie knew he had to resort to taking supplements, ‘steroids’ to be specific. In the 90s, when The King sat for an interview with Tom Platz, he revealed what prompted him to use steroids.

Ronnie Coleman revealed his reasons for taking steroids

When the topic of steroids comes up, opinions stand divided. Though many support its use, many disregard it. For Ronnie, steroids are one of the many essentials of the sport. He explained, “First, it’s like any other type of sport; in order to compete and compete with the best guys in the world, you kind of like have to do what it takes to get to the level that they’re on.”

As the competition was getting more and new faces coming in, he realized,” in order for me to get on the same level that they’re on and be on the same ground that they were on, I had to be doing the same thing that they were doing.

Thus, Ronnie wanted to be the best in the business, and he was not ready to budge down. Therefore, based on what others were doing, he took the call. He confessed, “I made my decision to go to the next level.” The ‘use of steroids can be a sensitive issue now, but back in Ronnie’s day, there was no such awareness, and he had hardly any clue.

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He was more prompted by what others by doing, and he subsequently tried “to do the same thing.” The interview dates back a long time, and Ronnie’s recent thoughts on the same are yet to be known. As the topic of steroids remains debated, there is no questioning Ronnie’s love for the sport.

 Ronnie’s hard work paved the way for success 

Ronnie Coleman worked hard to retain his position. Irrespective of the circumstances or his ill health, he never gave up his passion for the sport. Despite multiple hurdles, he kept himself going.

For the unversed,  Ronnie Coleman won Mr. Olympia every year (1998 to 2005) for eight consecutive years. In addition to his titles, he was well known for his injuries. He underwent 13 surgeries throughout his bodybuilding career. Even post-checkups, he would object to a day without training. He is hence an inspiration for all.

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