Ronnie Coleman was a formidable competitor on the bodybuilding stage throughout the 1990s and early 2000s. In a recent YouTube video, Ronnie Coleman opened up on why 2001 Mr. Olympia was by far the most challenging of his career. In addition, he discussed his training habits and gave his opinion on ego lifting in bodybuilding.
Having brought a combination of exceptional work ethic and unparalleled dedication to training, Ronnie Coleman‘s size, strength, and muscularity helped revolutionize the standard of the sport moving forward. Not only does Coleman have eight Mr. Olympia titles, tied only with Lee Hany, but in 2001 he became the first athlete to win both the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia in the same year.
While he continues to look after his health in retirement, Coleman has proven that he still has plenty to give back to the community. For those wondering what his most challenging Mr. Olympia show was, he explains below why it was his 2001 appearance.
Ronnie Coleman Discusses Ego Lifting, Reveals Why 2001 Mr. Olympia Win Was ‘Hardest’ of Career
First, Coleman discussed what his top priority in the training room was, and no surprise, he says it was to build as much muscle as possible by lifting ‘heavy ass weights.’
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“Put on as much muscle as possible. That’s why you always saw me lifting those heavy ass weights because ain’t no better way to put on muscle than to lift some heavy ass weight. Yeah, buddy!” said Ronnie Coleman.
He adds that ego lifting has its merits, adding that we all do it sometimes.
Well, I’ll say, I like ego lifting about as much as the next guy likes ego lifting. As a matter of fact, I think we all like to ego lift just to bolster our egos.”
With time to reflect on his illustrious tenure, ‘The King’ relived his epic 2001 bodybuilding season, highlighting why the Mr. Olympia was the most challenging contest of them all.
“I got to say, all of them. But the most hardest one was the, probably, 2001 when I was thinking about, at the last minute, not entering because the morning of that show I actually thought I was about to pass away.
And at the last minute I was talked out of it by my nutritionist. So, for sure, by a long shot, that had to be the most hardest Mr. Olympia ever!”
Ronnie Coleman’s 2001 Mr. Olympia victory was one he claims he will never forget. Previously, Coleman discussed the recent surge in bodybuilding deaths and shared his own close call. He explained that excessive dehydration almost led to his untimely demise:
“I remember back in 2001, I’ll never forget it like it was yesterday. I woke up the morning of the Olympia and I felt awful. I was totally dehydrated, you know, you have to be kind of a little dehydrated to get up there on stage.”
“But this morning, I felt awful, I felt real bad. I was to the point where I felt like I was kind of dying. It scared the living hell out of me. I called my nutritionist, and said hey, dude I feel awful. Forget this show, I’m going to the hospital. I’m not going to die for this sport.”
Although he no longer competes actively, fans and bodybuilders alike take inspiration from Coleman’s career and achievements. While Jay Cutler came close to defeating Coleman in 2001, the massive upset ultimately didn’t happen until the 2006 Mr. Olympia.
In retirement, Coleman continues to prioritize his health, longevity, and training. As one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time, it’s always fascinating to turn back the clock and observe how he achieved such a legendary career.
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Watch the full video below from Ronnie Coleman’s YouTube channel:
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