Ronnie Coleman Who Devoted His Life to Bodybuilding Despite 13 Surgeries, Once Claimed “This Sport Is Not Worth Dying For”

It is not new that Ronnie Coleman is perhaps bodybuilding’s greatest idol. Even after all these years, the retired athlete continues to be an inspiration to the new generation of bodybuilders.

The eight-time consecutive Mr.Olympia title holder once shared his sentiments with the press. His statements helped shed some light on the perils of bodybuilding. In an interview with Generation Iron on May 2022, Ronnie told the readers what it has been like to be associated with the sport. Last year, George Peterson and Shawn Rhoden both passed away. 

Recently, Cedric McMillan passed away unexpectedly, which is why bodybuilding’s health complications became the crux of the conversation.

Ronnie Coleman is not ready to die for the sport

Even in the contemporary era, Ronnie Coleman is a very active voice in the field. Coleman had suffered from health complications himself, he lost most of his mobility after serious spine surgery and is currently in the process of recovering. The former bodybuilder had stated, “When you start dying, this sport is not worth dying for.”

The bodybuilder has personal experience with the risks associated with diuretics, which peaked in 2001. He was the first athlete to win both the Arnold Classic and Olympia in the same year. Despite his accomplishments, he almost didn’t win the Olympia. Coleman recalls that day as he woke up feeling dehydrated and wanted to rush to the hospital.

“I woke up the morning of the Olympia and I felt awful,” he said, while recalling the day he almost did not take part in Mr.Olympia.

Read More: After Tasting Unparalleled Success, Ronnie Coleman Opens Up on Feeling a Void After Retiring From Competitions- “I’m a Little Bored”

He finally managed to hydrate himself enough to get up on stage and beat Jay Cutler to secure the Mr. Olympia title.

The King knows better

Shawn Rhoden passed away in November following what was reportedly a heart attack, while George Peterson passed away at the age of 37 in October from cardiac issues that were said to be brought on by steroids. After Cedric Mcmillan’s recent demise from a heart attack at 44, powerlifters have been paying extra attention to their health. 

The incident changed the way Coleman views the sport too. The realization of the fact that nothing is more important than your own health had set in. But despite multiple injuries, Ronnie continues to be one of the best in his sports and continuously updates his fans about his life via Instagram.

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