“Everybody Thinks It’s an Individual Sport”: Ronnie Coleman Made an Adorable Gesture Claiming Bodybuilding Is a Team Sport After His First Mr. Olympia Victory in 1998

Ronnie Coleman is a bodybuilding legend. After winning his first Mr. Universe title, Ronnie turned pro and participated in the Mr. Olympia contest. While Ronnie had a massive physique, he struggled to place carve a place in the top three. Going into Mr. Olympia 1998, Flex Wheeler was the favorite to win. Many fans thought Ronnie wouldn’t finish in the top five.

However, at the end of the contest, only Ronnie and Flex stood on the stage, waiting to hear who had captured the Mr. Olympia title. While Flex may have been the favorite, Ronnie pulled out an upset. During his speech, Ronnie made an adorable gesture as his mother stood beside him. 

Bodybuilding is a team sport

After his victory at Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman gave a speech while his mother stood next to him. Coleman didn’t take the credit for himself. Although he worked tirelessly in the gym, Ronnie credited his mother and his family for his success. “This is where I got my genetics from, right here. This is why I’m a winner,” said Ronnie while addressing his mother.

“Everybody thinks it’s an individual sport, it’s not.”, Ronnie added. People regard bodybuilding as an individual sport because the athlete builds his physique and competes on stage alone. However, Ronnie is humble in victory. He never forgot the contribution of his family and coaches. 

Ronnie’s family also supported him by being present during his shows. Years after retirement, in an interview with Generation Iron, Ronnie explained how his family helped him. Ronnie revealed his mom cooked all his food so he could maximize his training. Not just food, Ronnie’s family also helped clean up the house.

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Coleman’s family members even helped him wash his car. The seven-time Mr. Olympia had a lot of fans, and his sister helped Ronnie write back to them. So that’s why the legend, after winning the title, announced bodybuilding is a team sport.

Ronnie Coleman vs. Flex Wheeler

After Ronnie won the 1998 Mr. Olympia contest, his short-lived but iconic rivalry with Flex Wheeler began. Flex had been a pro before Ronnie and he even gave Dorian Yates a run for his money. Wheeler is bestowed with the title ‘The Sultan of Symmetry’. After his defeat in 1998, Flex returned even stronger the following year.

However, Ronnie edged out Flex and became the champion for a second time. Unfortunately, 1999 would be Flex’s final Mr. Olympia because a rare kidney disease forced him to retire early.

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Ronnie worked for hours in the gym and pushed his body to the limit. However, he understood that without his family’s efforts, Ronnie wouldn’t be able to build the physique fans revered him for.