Former Bodybuilder Once Called Ronnie Coleman ‘Foolish’: “Wouldn’t Want Any of Those Trophies to Have the Body Ronnie Has at 53”

Going through the journey of Ronnie Coleman, the bodybuilding legend, one can’t deny that nothing mattered to him except to achieve his grand goal of becoming the greatest ever. While his grit and determination to surpass setbacks and challenges with a combination of perseverance and aggressiveness are remarkable, some critics have seen beyond that.

Coleman, the sound of his name, reminds people of the incredible strength he demonstrated in deadlifts and power lifts. As it is rightly said, no pain, no gain. But ‘The King’ normalized the pain until he reached a condition. He couldn’t undo the damage.

Fans and celebrities can’t help but feel sorry to watch the gigantic and superhuman eight-time Mr. Olympia struggle to walk a few steps. But, former bodybuilder Shawn Ray disagreed with Coleman’s intense approach. In the Netflix documentary, “Ronnie Coleman-The King” Shawn made some brutally honest remarks about Coleman’s condition.

Ronnie Coleman would do it again

The eight-time Mr. Olympia didn’t have it easy. Coleman’s extraordinary patience and hard work translated into titles and stardom, as seen in his glorious career. But it also left him in a wrecked state. ‘Big Ron’ faced a herniated disc in 1996, which was left untreated until he retired in 2007.

Big Ron, who once endured pain to grow in his career, ended up making it a part of his life. Sharing his thoughts on The King’s condition at 53, Shawn in an interview in 2018, said he doesn’t feel sorry for Coleman because he already knew there would be a “price to pay for what he was doing.” However, he admitted, “I think for him that price was worth it.”

READ MORE: Ronnie Coleman Who Sacrificed His Body for Bodybuilding, Nearly Called It Quits on His Career in 1997

Moreover, Shawn confessed that he would never do such a thing. “I’d say it’s foolish.” Putting himself in Ronnie’s shoes, Shawn challenged that given a chance, Ronnie would do it all over again. In comparison, he shared, “I wouldn’t want any of those trophies to have the body Ronnie has at 53, 54 years old.”

Coleman continues to work out despite surgeries

Coleman went through several surgeries after multiple injuries because of intense workout regimes and ignored the warnings his body had given him. Although he suffers from chronic pain, he continues to work out on a restricted basis. And it is undeniable that he shows no sign of regret or discontent about the path he chose and the result it has given him.

He began his professional journey with a degree in accounts. Genetically gifted with a muscular body, he found his calling in the sport. A free gym membership changed his life. Slowly and steadily, he rose to become one of the greatest champions of the sport.

Watch this story–“I Don’t See Nobody Beating Them.” Ronnie Coleman Discusses His Predication for 2022 Mr. Olympia Contest