Even years after his retirement, bodybuilder Ronnie Coleman is still racking up the accolades. In an Instagram post shared on August 4, 2024, Coleman gave his reaction to becoming the latest recipient of the prestigious Ben Weider Lifetime Achievement Award in honor of his illustrious bodybuilding career.
During the 1990s and 2000s, Ronnie Coleman cracked the code of bodybuilding, having acquired enough mass and conditioning to set him apart from his contemporaries. He bested iconic names in the sport like Flex Wheeler, Kevin Levrone, and Jay Cutler en route to tying Lee Haney‘s record of eight Mr. Olympia titles.
Time in athletics and a lengthy career in bodybuilding left Coleman with numerous injuries, but he exited the sport with no regrets. While he struggles to walk without assistance today, Coleman’s ‘Yeah buddy’ attitude resonates with fans on a deep level. He was honored with the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021, which he emotionally accepted. And now, ‘The King’ has reflected on his latest triumph last weekend at the annual 2024 Tampa Pro.
Ronnie Coleman Receives 2024 Ben Weider Lifetime Achievement Award in Honor of his Bodybuilding Career
Coleman, one of the most decorated bodybuilders to ever compete, graciously accepted the coveted Ben Weider Lifetime Achievement Award while witnessing athletes vie for gold at the Tampa Pro. He accepted the honor among great company, which included Olympia President Dan Solomon, Vice President Tyler Manion, and head judge Steve Weinberger.
“I’m Honored to receive this year’s Ben Weider Lifetime Achievement Award!!
Thank you to everyone who came out to the Tampa Pro and thank you to @mrolympiallc for this truly amazing award….YEAH BUDDY!!!!” shared Coleman.
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Commenters were quick to offer their congratulatory messages to Coleman:
“Congratulations brother” Jay Cutler wrote.
“Nobody deserves it more. 👏👏” reigning Mr. Olympia Derek Lunsford shared.
“Congrats legend 💪🏼” posted Urs Kalecinski.
“Congratulations Ron!!” Branch Warren said.
Aside from his latest endeavor in Tampa, Coleman has continued to make strides in walking again without help. Consistent workouts alongside recovery efforts have taken center stage for the bodybuilding champion. He has undergone several stem cell therapy procedures in hopes of alleviating pain and discomfort as a result of over 13 back surgeries. He’s explained that stem cells have helped him tremendously with his quality of life and have allowed him to steer clear of additional operations.
Although Coleman made some sacrifices to reach the top of the sport, it wasn’t in vain. As the latest recipient of the Ben Weider Lifetime Achievement Award, Coleman continues to inspire the new generation of bodybuilding talent at 60 years old.
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