If there is any bodybuilder capable of one-upping Arnold Schwarzenegger, it is probably the one and only Ronnie Coleman. As one of the most built physique competitors, Coleman entered his Mr. Olympia competition with a whopping 300lbs! That marked his position as one of the heaviest contestants of all time. He is also one of the two individuals in the whole round world to win the title of Mr. Olympia eight times. And, even today, Coleman takes a lot of care of his physique.

Coleman, in his prime, was nothing short of a superhero. Not only did he look amazingly jacked, but was also famous for his strength. Coleman’s strength had been a topic of discussion in many podcasts and interviews that he had done. In one of those interviews, Coleman was quoted comparing himself to the popular comic book superhero ‘Superman’.

Ronnie Coleman felt way ahead of his peers and rivals

In the interview that Coleman did with Patrick Bet-David, he pointed out that while most contemporary athletes either focussed on building physique or building strength, he had a bit of both in his regime. He proudly

said, “I’m a different beast,” hinting at his grueling sessions. In his prime, Ronnie Coleman was repping 2300lb leg press and 800lb squats without a sweat. And, this is where Bet-David threw him an interesting question. He asked Coleman if achieving all of those milestones ever made him feel “superhuman” in any sense.

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The ever-so-confident king’s eyes lit up. He opened up about how he felt like a superhero every time he went through his tough workouts. He said, “I felt like I was Superman… and there was nothing I couldn’t do.” He also added how being in the gym made him feel invincible of sorts. This confidence he carried all through his life.

ALSO, READ THIS: “You’re in Pain Your Whole Life”: Ronnie “The King” Coleman Opened Up to Joe Rogan About How He Won Eight Straight Mr. Olympia Titles With a Herniated Disc

An eventual fall of the hero?

Even though as strong as he was, as in control as he was, Ronnie Coleman was just a human in the end. He was confident but his confidence couldn’t save him from the dark path that his injuries would later take him into. He was the man who sported 0.33% body fat on stage, but the eventual strain of his body did catch up to him.

Coleman had to face a nasty herniated disc injury while working out. He did not pay much heed to it in the beginning and went on to flourish in the bodybuilding industry with it. The result was gruesome. He had to undergo dozens of surgeries that left him almost completely immobile.

WATCH THIS STORY: Mr. Olympia Legends Arnold Schwarzenegger Vs. Ronnie Coleman Body Comparision

But, till today, Ronnie Coleman is arguably ‘the King’ of the Mr. Olympia stage. He still works out and runs a YouTube channel. All of this proving not only his physical but also mental fortitude.