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Ronnie Coleman is arguably one of the best bodybuilders in the modern day. He dominated the early 2000s with incredible performances in competitions. With eight consecutive Mr. Olympia titles, Ronnie tied with Lee Haney. However, his appearance in the 2006 Mr. Olympia has been one of the most discussed topics among bodybuilding enthusiasts.

Ronnie pursued bodybuilding after playing football as a middle linebacker with the GSU tigers. The legendary bodybuilder struggled during his initial bodybuilding contests. But later on, he was unbeaten for 8 Mr. Olympia seasons.

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Ronnie Coleman reveals a secret

The 2006 edition of Mr. Olympia ended Ronnie’s unbeaten streak. It came as a shocker to the world. People believed he was in peak form to win his ninth consecutive title. However, American bodybuilder Jay Cutler defeated him to win his first Mr. Olympia title. In an interview, Ronnie revealed that the loss shocked him, too. According to him, he was unbeatable.

Speaking on his mindset during the competition he said, ” You falling into some form of monotony after a while and like okay I have won it say seven, eight times in a row what’s nine” In an interview with Value entertainment, Ronnie stated he was already prepared to take the second place in that event. He revealed an insider told him the result even before it was announced. Coleman revealed his girlfriend had leaked the verdict to him before the official announcement.” I already knew I was going to be second far away. My girlfriend told me“, he said.

DIVE DEEPER: “Not Going to Die for This Sport”: Bodybuilding Legend Ronnie Coleman Almost Ditched His Mr. Olympia Competition to Save His Life Back in 2001

His girlfriend at that time, Vickie Gates, was at the judge’s table and revealed the verdict to him so he would be prepared. “She was judging. She told me I was going to be second. I don’t think she was judging; she was at the judge’s table, and she saw the score,” stated Coleman.

Ronnie’s early life

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Ronnie was born on May 13, 1964, in Monroe, Louisiana. He was a football player and trained under coach Eddie Robinson. Ronnie played as a middle linebacker with the GSU Tigers. However, his bachelor’s degree in accounting was not of use to him, as he failed to find employment as an accountant.

His colleague suggested he should attend the Metro flex gym while he served as a police officer. He urged Ronnie to train under amateur bodybuilder Brian Dobson. After training for a couple of years, he defeated Dobson at a contest. Ronnie won his first professional competition in 1995. Despite losing in the early stages of his career, Ronnie was patient and hungry for his first major win. Ronnie bagged his first Mr. Olympia title in 1998, defeating Kenneth Wheeler by three points.

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WATCH THIS STORY: Mr. Olympia Legends Arnold Schwarzenegger vs Ronnie Coleman Body Comparison

It is safe to say that Ronnie had an unmatched dominance in bodybuilding. Moreover, his undefeated bout from 1998 to 2005 truly made him ‘The King’.