“Could Just Barely Stay On Stage”: Bodybuilding Legend Ronnie Coleman Revealed the Real Reason for Calling Quits on His Career in 2018

A name that sounds synonymous with the stage of bodybuilding is that of Ronnie Coleman. He is regarded as one of the finest bodybuilders of all time, winning his first professional championship in 1995. He then went on to win Mr. Olympia eight times, tying fellow champion Lee Haney for the most victories. Having tasted unparallel success, the King took the world by surprise when he announced his retirement.

Initially only a means of obtaining a free gym membership, Coleman eventually transformed his interest in weightlifting into a successful career. Soon after, in 1998, Ronnie Coleman won his first Mr. Olympia title, which he retained for eight straight years before ultimately losing to Jay Cutler in 2006. But what made him quit? Was it the defeat, or was there something more? In the 2018 interview, he opened up about it.

Ronnie Coleman talked about the reason behind retirement

After years of rigorous training, heavy workout, a monstrous diet, and a hectic work schedule, Coleman’s body started to feel the heat. His face may have never revealed the pain, but after his defeat to Cutler, he realized that his body could no longer take it.

Speaking about it, the legend confessed, “I stepped away because I was in a whole lot of pain.” Throughout his bodybuilding career, Coleman had to grapple with medical emergencies. Be it his herniated disc or back surgeries, he kept on pushing himself, regardless of the situation.

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Initially, Coleman was able to downplay his symptoms, but there came a time when he was forced to face the fact that his body was deteriorating. He added, “in my last Olympia, I was in so much pain. I could just barely stay on stage.” Being a reserved person, he does not talk much about himself; that way, people hardly notice that he was in pain. He confessed, “People don’t notice, but I kind of hurt.”

Ronnie Kept pushing himself even when he was aware of the grave consequences 

Ronnie may have retired from the sport professionally, but his love for the sport remains unaffected. Despite undergoing 13 major surgeries, he ensured to hit back at the gym with more passion and zest. Even the doctors feared that his condition could make him paralyzed, but his spirits were too high to be crushed.

With each setback, he made sure to strike back stronger. More than the legacy, the spirit, and detection Ronnie displayed for the sport were exemplary. He did not just inspire the younger generations but also motivated his competitors to perform better. He was undeniably THE KING!

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