The 2021 Arnold Classic on Saturday, September 25, was electric with many athletes and fans in attendance. While competitors got their chance to shine at this prestigious multi-sport event, so did eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman who was presented with the prestigious Lifetime Achievement award… “Yeahhh buddyyy!!!”
Every year at the event, the legend Arnold Schwarzenegger presents the award to a very special individual to honor their incredible contributions to the community as well as their accomplishments.
Well, it’s hard to think of anyone more deserving than the iconic Ronnie Coleman.
Related: 2021 Arnold Classic Results
Coleman is tied with fellow legend Lee Haney (Received the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award in 2006) for the most Olympia wins in Men’s Open competition history and is widely regarded as the greatest Open bodybuilder of all time.
His size, freakiness, and conditioning were unmatched and something of another planet.
Award and Speech
Before his speech, Coleman shouted out the famous words “Yeah buddy” and “Lightweight,” of which he’d yell out in the gym to pump himself up before lifting “heavy ass weight”.
He followed up by praising 7x Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger for his amazing bodybuilding career and then thanked his wife Susan and their kids for being so supportive. Can’t forget mom either, who would cook all of his meals, and according to the big man, “It was the best food in the world“. For those who don’t know, his mother passed a few years ago so it was a very emotional moment.
Coleman admitted that he couldn’t have been a successful bodybuilder without his family, and made it clear that bodybuilding is not an individual sport like many might think.
It was an extremely emotional moment for Ronnie Coleman to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, admitting that he used to say he’d be up there one day. Well, his dream came true.
“I had seen Arnold give this award to other people over the years, and I thought to myself, ‘I’m going to get that someday.
“Here I am best here I am getting the greatest reward of my life.”
He broke down in tears and there probably wasn’t a dry eye in the building. After taking a moment to collect himself, the legend ended with…
“This is one of the greatest honors of my life.” Coleman said. “Momma, we got us a lifetime achievement award.”
Watch his speech here.
Ronnie Coleman Talks How Chad Nicholls Helped Him Become The King Of Bodybuilding
The Louisiana native served as a police officer in Arlington Texas for many years and while he was a competitive bodybuilder. He left the police force in 2003 and retired from competition in 2007.
Coleman had to undergo multiple back surgeries following his bodybuilding career. However and unfortunately, it’s left him without the ability to walk as normal.
Ronnie Coleman: ‘The Pain Is Gone’ In My Back Since Starting Stem Cell Treatment
Bodybuilding Career:
- 1992 Chicago Pro Championships – 11th
- 1992 Night of Champions – 14th
- 1992 Mr. Olympia – Didn’t Place
- 1993 Chicago Pro Invitational – 6th
- 1993 Grand Prix France – 4th
- 1993 Grand Prix Germany – 6th
- 1993 Niagara Falls Pro Invitational – 6th
- 1994 Grand Prix France – 3rd
- 1994 Grand Prix Germany – 3rd
- 1994 Mr. Olympia – 15th
- 1994 San Jose Pro Invitational – 4th
- 1995 Canada Pro Cup – 1st
- 1996 Canada Pro Cup – 1st
- 1997 Grand Prix – 1st
- 1998 Toronto Invitational – 1st
- 1998 Mr. Olympia – 1st
- 1998 Grand Prix Finland – 1st
- 1999 Mr. Olympia – 1st
- 1999 World Pro Championships – 1st
- 1999 Grand Prix England – 1st
- 2000 Mr. Brody Langley – 1st
- 2000 Grand Prix England – 1st
- 2000 World Pro Championships – 1st
- 2000 Mr. Olympia– 1st
- 2001 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic – 1st
- 2001 Mr. Olympia – 1st
- 2001 New Zealand Grand Prix – 1st
- 2002 Mr. Olympia – 1st
- 2002 Grand Prix Holland – 1st
- 2003 Mr. Olympia – 1st
- 2003 Grand Prix Russia – st
- 2004 Mr. Olympia – 1st
- 2004 Grand Prix England – 1st
- 2004 Grand Prix Holland – 1st
- 2004 Grand Prix Russia – 1st
- 2005 Mr. Olympia – 1st
- 2006 Grand Prix Austria – IFBB, 2nd
- 2006 Grand Prix Holland – IFBB, 2nd
- 2006 Grand Prix Romania – IFBB, 2nd
- 2006 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, 2nd
- 2007 Mr. Olympia – IFBB, 4th
But that’s not stopped him from training and maintaining the dedication to keep himself in the best shape possible. Ronnie “King” Coleman was an exceptional talent and he’s an amazing human being and we wish him all the best in life.
Catch comprehensive coverage of the 2025 Arnold Classic, including pre-judging, event recaps, analyses, and complete Arnold Classic results at our Arnold Classic coverage hub: FitnessVolt.com/arnold-classic
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.
