Champions come and go, but some leave such a legacy that they are remembered forever. Seven-time Mr. Olympia, Arnold Schwarzenegger, is one such champion. Schwarzenegger competed in the late 60s and 70s when the public saw bodybuilding as taboo. Besides becoming a prolific champion, Schwarzenegger addressed these issues head-on, bringing the sport into the mainstream. Similarly, besides winning eight Mr. Olympia titles, Ronnie Coleman redefined the limits of bodybuilding in the early 2000s.
The two champions have immense respect for one another and recently met at the Arnold Sports Festival. Earlier, Coleman uploaded a photo on Instagram and revealed that even today, he harbors a regret about Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Ronnie Coleman’s unfulfilled wish
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The eight-time Mr. Olympia uploaded a comparison photo of himself and the seven-time Mr. Olympia. The well-edited black-and-white photo puts Arnold Schwarzenegger and Ronnie Coleman side-by-side. In the image, both bodybuilders are hitting the front-double biceps pose. The image also has some text clarifying when the photos were taken.
Coleman’s photo is from 2001, while Arnie’s still is from 1973. In 2001 Ronnie Coleman won his fourth Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic. Interestingly, the ‘Austrian Oak’ also won his fourth Mr. Olympia title in 1973. The eight-time Mr. Olympia shared the comparison image with the caption, “It would have been an honor to compete alongside @schwarzenegger.”
However, he also revealed his regret because his wish remains unfulfilled as they were born decades apart. Coleman wrote, “unfortunately we were KINGS of different eras in bodybuilding!!” Despite his regret, Coleman acknowledged that both were the top bodybuilders of their respective eras. Schwarzenegger himself commented, “My man,” on Coleman’s post.
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While Coleman didn’t get the chance to compete alongside Schwarzenegger, he asked the fans for their verdict. “Comment your predictions below,” the ‘King’ wrote, and the comments section exploded.
Arnold Schwarzenegger or Ronnie Coleman?
Bodybuilding fans had different opinions about the comparison. Some leaned towards Coleman because of his muscle mass and conditioning. “Hahaha, no contest Arnold lacks everything compared to you Ronnie!!!!” wrote one fan. However, others said Arnold has a more aesthetic physique. “Arnold : Classic,” commented one fan.
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However, most people preferred not to compare the two legends. “Both don’t even need titles, you guys are the sport,” commented one fan. “That’s like a 2003 lambo vs. a 1970 lambo,” commented another. “Lebron and Jordan,” wrote a third fan.
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What do you think about the comparison image? Do you prefer Arnie’s aesthetics or Coleman’s monstrous physique? Let us know in the comments.