Bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman is on the mend. In a video shared on his YouTube channel released on July 15, 2025, he spoke out for the first time since being hospitalized with sepsis, which he emphasized nearly cost him his life.
In June, it was revealed that the legendary eight-time Mr. Olympia winner was battling a serious health condition. Given Coleman’s history of medical issues, including over 13 surgeries on his back, neck, and spine, the bodybuilding community came together, praying for his health to turn around.
Coleman was quickly transferred to a specialized medical facility, where doctors discovered a sepsis infection in his bloodstream. At that time, his condition remained serious but stable. However, medical staff informed Coleman he’d have to undergo a heart procedure to improve his quality of life. Focus has now shifted towards recovery, and with that, “The King” is finally reflecting on the ordeal that almost ended in tragedy.
Ronnie Coleman Details Near-Death Experience from Sepsis
In the YouTube video, Coleman revealed that these last few weeks have been some of the toughest of his life. He admits his sepsis infection ‘nearly killed me.’
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“Man, let me tell you, these past few weeks have been some of the toughest of my life. Your boy was hit with sepsis, and it nearly killed me. Had it not been for my 13-year-old daughter, it probably would have.”
“Y’all know me, I’ve been faced with battles in my life, but nothing like this. I’m still here because the grace of God still wants me to be here. The support I get from all of y’all, that all helps out a whole lot,” shared Coleman.
In light of his situation, Coleman wants to spread awareness around sepsis, which is why he spearheaded the Ronnie Strong Movement.
“Now, I feel a little responsibility to use my platform to raise some awareness to this thing we call sepsis because like me, people don’t even know what sepsis is until it’s too late. That’s why I’ve decided to support the Sepsis Alliance, and I’m asking you to stand with me with the Ronnie Strong movement. Yeah buddy.”
“God brought me here and god is going to have me leave here when it’s time for me to go,” he adds. “It ain’t nothing but a peanut.”
Coleman still struggles to walk without assistance, but hopes that will change soon. He has utilized a pool physiotherapy routine and believes that with its help, he’s on track to potentially walk again without help by January 2027.
Coleman is one of the most beloved bodybuilding legends the sport has seen. Our team at Fitness Volt is encouraged by his progress, and we will continue to support ‘The King’s’ journey to recovery.
Watch the full video from the Ronnie Coleman YouTube channel below:
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