“It’s a Secret, So Don’t Tell Nobody”: The King Ronnie Coleman Declares Mr. Olympia 2023 Winner Seven Months Ahead of the Competition

Ronnie Coleman is one of the most decorated bodybuilders in the history of Mr. Olympia. The professional IFBB bodybuilder, and former cop, has 8 consecutive Mr. Olympia titles under his wing. He also became the first bodybuilder to win the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia in the same year, in 2001. Coleman is known as The King of the bodybuilding world. His experience has ensured that he knows the ins and outs of the sport.

With his stature, it is not a surprise that he would be a good authority on who could be the next Mr. Olympia. Well, he did once and he is immensely proud of the fact. In a recent video, he took credit for a past prediction that he got right. So who could be the 2023 Mr. Olympia? Let’s see what Coleman thinks.

Ronnie Coleman reveals his 2023 Mr. Olympia prediction

Not only did he divulge his top choice for the 2023 Mr. Olympia, but Coleman was also seen working out with the predicted winner as well. The bodybuilder who, according to Coleman, will win the upcoming Mr. Olympia, also took the title at the 2021 Olympia 212. In the video, The King is seen working out with the bodybuilder, going through a grueling back and biceps workout. Ronnie Coleman said, “And like I say, your day is coming. You heard it here first! But again, it’s a secret, so don’t tell nobody. The next Mr. Olympia is right here at the office.”

The bodybuilder who has achieved The King’s vote of confidence is Derek Lunsford, the 2022 Mr. Olympia runner-up. Recently, Derek Lunsford and Ronnie Coleman spent some quality time in the gym together and the legend told Lunsford, “You know, on my Olympia prediction you was the only one I got right? …You’re the only one I got right.” Lunsford was visibly humbled by Coleman’s confidence in him.

Read more: “Don’t Go Too Heavy Too Fast”: Living His Life on Crutches, Legend Ronnie Coleman Conveys a Lesson He Learned the Hard Way to 2022 Mr. Olympia Runner-Up

Coleman also went on to add, “I wasn’t right about anybody. I know the potential you got. I can see real potential alone a mile away.” Lunsford thanked Coleman, and added, “Thanks, man. Out of everybody, it means coming the most from you, believe me.” Coleman seems confident about the fact that Lunsford will take home the 2023 title. This confidence stemmed from Lunsford’s 2021 win.

Coleman’s faith in Lunsford

Lunsford gained the attention of the bodybuilding community after he won the 2021 Olympia 212. The win also ensured that he got the invitation to the 2022 Men’s Open. He shocked the world when he came in second at his debut Mr. Olympia. When Coleman saw Lunsford win the Olympia 212, he immediately thought that Lunsford could go all the way to win the ‘real’ Mr. Olympia.

During an episode of his Nothing But A Podcast, Coleman said, “I was telling people that, that guy had one of the best physiques out there right now.” Lunsford, greatly inspired by the legend, Coleman, seems to be on the path to finally claiming the title that he narrowly lost to Hadi Choopan. Only time will tell if Ronnie Coleman’s prediction will come true for a second time, or not. Given the fact that Lunsford has been working out with bodybuilding behemoth Ronnie Coleman, the prediction might just come true. What do you think? Let us know in the comments below.

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