Throughout bodybuilding’s history, a few athletes have risen to legendary status, establishing a standard of excellence for years. Among them are six-time Mr. Olympia Dorian Yates and eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman. During a recent The Menace Podcast on YouTube, Dennis James and Chris Cormier argued over who had the greatest back of all time between Yates and Coleman.
Dorian Yates rose to prominence in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Sporting incredible muscle mass and dry conditioning, ‘The Shadow’ stood out anytime he took the stage. During his debut Mr. Olympia competition, Yates came in second just behind eight-time champion Lee Haney.
After Lee Haney retired, Dorian Yates dominated the stage earning his first Mr. Olympia title in 1992. Yates would go on to defend the title five times, reigning from 1992-1997 before taking his leave while still at the top with a total of six victories. As Yates wrapped up his career, Ronnie Coleman was just hitting his peak.
With his detailed conditioning and sheer mass, Ronnie Coleman took the sport by storm. Coleman earned his first Mr. Olympia title in 1998 and from there, became an impenetrable force between other competitors and the throne for eight consecutive years. Eventually, though, Jay Cutler was able to crack through the barrier and finally take hold of the Mr. Olympia title in 2006.
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Dorian Yates VS. Ronnie Coleman Battle Of The Backs
While both men undoubtedly remain some of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, Dennis James and Chris Cormier discussed in a recent YouTube video who had the better back.
“Let’s compare Dorian at his best and Ronnie at his best,” Dennis said.
“I had Dorian’s back” Cormier responds.
“I think Dorian had a better back lats spread but I think Ronnie’s back double biceps in his prime was unbeatable” Dennis adds.
“I’m not even looking at shoulders and arms, I’m just looking at the back and your video shows it the best, the thickness that Ronnie had at the time.”
RELATED: 27 Best Backs in Bodybuilding History
Regardless of who beat who in the back department, both men were phenomenal bodybuilders who continue to leave an impact on the fitness community even in retirement.
Dorian Yates has maintained his die-hard attitude in the gym where he uses High-Intensity Training (HIT) style workouts to remain in shape at 61 years old. Earlier this year, Yates gave a 40-year physique progression update where he showed off his shredded abs.
Ronnie Coleman also continues to push himself in the gym six times a week. Coleman often joins other big names in the sport like current Mr. Olympia champion Derek Lunsford for a shoulders workout. Back in August, Ronnie Coleman teamed up with the bodybuilding icon Arnold Schwarzenegger for a legendary workout as well.
Dorian Yates and Ronnie Coleman have suffered injuries throughout their tenures. Fortunately, stem cell treatment has proven to be beneficial for both men. Yates revealed that after three months, his mobility improved by 40%. Ronnie Coleman has also seen improvements, revealing he reduced the amount of painkillers he was taking by 50%.
In the end, Chris Cormier argued Dorian Yates had the superior back. Conversely, it appeared Dennis James and Dexter Jackson were in favor of Coleman’s.
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