“Everyone Kind of Assumed That…”: Underdog Ronnie Coleman Shattered Bodybuilding Beast Dorian Yates’ Expectation in 1998

Ronnie Coleman is nothing short of a legend in the sport of bodybuilding. After 8 consecutive Mr. Olympia victories, there is not one bodybuilding enthusiast who has not heard his name. Be that due to the ripped physique that won him so many accolades, or due to his tenacity and endurance which helped him survive a life-threatening ailment.

In a discussion with Generation Iron Fitness & Bodybuilding Network, IFBB-pro Dorian Yates spoke about watching Ronnie enter the big league and his growth as a professional bodybuilder. The 6x Mr. Olympia champion, Yates, also discussed what took him by surprise in the 2021 interview.

Dark horse Ronnie Coleman took everyone by surprise

Dorian has been studying nutrition and the human body throughout his life. Through comprehensive research, he developed a keen insight into the science of bulking up. “I like to think I was very good at recognizing potential,” he said. 

Yates noticed Coleman from the very get-go. He knew better than to take Ronnie lightly. Dorian said, “I could see Ronnie had the structure, the muscle balance, and so on… to be very good.”

“All through my Olympia reign, he was getting better and better and better,” he continued. Ronnie Coleman won the Olympia 8 times from 1998 to 2005, which granted him the title of ‘The King.’ He caught Dorian’s attention in 1996. “I think 96 was when he really started to look like, you know, one of the main competitors”

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Coleman won for the first time and got famous worldwide in 1998. Although, his victory was truly an unexpected one in the eyes of Yates. “98 was umm, even myself I think was a surprise that Ronnie won, I mean I knew he had potential but I guess everyone kind of assumed that Flex was gonna win,” explained Dorian, “Ronnie made some even further improvements that year and was able to beat Flex.”

Perseverance and mental fortitude

The King is known for his size, muscle conditioning, and rigorous workout routines. However, the eight victories took hard work and toil. But alas, the lifelong heavy training left the athlete in agonizing pain.

In 1996, he dislocated his disk during an intense squatting session. Which eventually resulted in a herniated disk. Being ignorant, Ronnie continued to work out like that for 10 years. As a result, the 58-year-old put off his surgery till 2007, which was when he got himself admitted to a hospital. In addition to 13 surgeries, he was prescribed extended bed rest. Ronnie lost most of his mobility due to his medical conditions.

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Today, Coleman continues to be active in the bodybuilding world. He feared that he would never walk again, but he has healed enough to be able to carry himself. The retired bodybuilder is the owner of a business for sporting gear, apparel, and supplements which aids upcoming bodybuilders to reach the next level.