“He Almost Killed Me”: Ronnie Coleman Recalls a Near-Death Escapade While Rescuing a Boy, Long Before He Became a Bodybuilding GOAT

Today, people know Ronnie Coleman as the legendary bodybuilder who had won eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles. However, many people may not know that he also has a heroic side. Before rising to stardom, Coleman was a certified lifeguard. He has been quite open about his struggles in his old profession. In a recent interview, Coleman shared a similarly interesting story from his early days as a lifeguard, where he risked his own life to save someone else.

Coleman began his career as a lifeguard in 1986, before he became a professional bodybuilder. His passion for swimming took him to this job. However, he also revealed that the same passion once brought him very close to death. 

Coleman’s passion came at a price

In the recent interview with Derek Lunsford, which aired on the bodybuilder’s official YouTube channel, Coleman opened up about the frightening incident. One day, while on duty, he heard someone shouting for help. He quickly realized that a boy was drowning in the pool. Without hesitation, Coleman dove in and swam to the struggling fellow. However, when he reached near him, in a moment of panic, the boy grabbed the first thing that came to his hand to get his head out. Only this time, it was the 19-year-old Coleman.

The boy was panicking and kept pulling Coleman underwater in his attempt to stay afloat. “He almost killed me”, the legend recalled. Despite the danger, Coleman refused to give up and continued to struggle to keep the boy’s head above water.

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Coleman’s muscular build helped him to take control of the boy. Eventually, he was able to bring the boy out of the pool. Despite the near-death experience, Coleman continued to work as a lifeguard for several years before he decided to pursue bodybuilding full-time. 

The hidden talent of Ronnie Coleman

The world is aware of Coleman’s exceptional physique in the sport of bodybuilding. But what many people don’t know is that he also has some impressive swimming credentials that even Michael Phelps, the most decorated Olympian of all time, doesn’t possess. In a recent video released by the legend, Coleman revealed that he had received a certificate for the lifeguard from the American Red Cross Organisation. 

In the same video, Coleman said that his experience as a lifeguard taught him the importance of being disciplined and focused. The story of Coleman’s heroic act as a lifeguard is a reminder of the bravery and selflessness that can be found in people from all walks of life. Even before he became a world-famous bodybuilder, Coleman was willing to risk his own life to save someone else’s. It’s a testament to his character and a shining example of what it means to be a true hero.

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