We all have our Mount Rushmore of bodybuilding, and that includes ‘The King’ himself, Ronnie Coleman. In a recent podcast appearance with NFL legend Shannon Sharpe on September 21, 2024, Coleman listed who he believes to be the four greatest bodybuilders of all time.
Over the decades, the sport of bodybuilding has witnessed the birth of several legends. Their accomplishments are etched in history, forever inspiring the athletes who follow after them. While they all differ depending on the era in which they reigned or the fitness practices they followed, it’s always fun to stack them against one another to rank who was the best of the best.
First on the roster is none other than Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. His physique triggers memories of the classic look that those competing today still hope to embody. Not to mention, the discipline he displayed throughout his career translated not only to him winning seven Mr. Olympia titles during his prime, but also led to his incredible longevity in retirement.
If you thought seven Mr. Olympia wins was impressive, you better brace yourself. In 1984, Lee Haney emerged on the Mr. Olympia stage as the new champion, where he reigned for eight consecutive years. A feat that only one other has been able to replicate, that being the one, the only ‘The King’ Ronnie Coleman, who ruled the stage from 1998 to 2005.
As for a recent legend, Phil Heath has made a name for himself after defeating the ‘Comeback Kid’ Jay Cutler in 2011. Heath then proceeded to earn six more titles, tying him with Arnold Schwarzenegger as a seven-time Mr. Olympia champion.
Ronnie Coleman Lists His Mount Rushmore of Bodybuilding GOATS
It’s easy to see how these incredibly talented athletes have earned themselves legend status. That is why when Ronnie Coleman sat down with NFL great Shannon Sharpe and was asked to list his top four bodybuilders of all time, Coleman didn’t hesitate to name them.
The King’s Top Four Bodybuilders Of All Time
- Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Lee Haney
- Ronnie Coleman
- Phil Heath
Coleman dove straight into his picks placing Schwarzenegger and Haney before listing himself and then Heath.
“Okay, we got Arnold at the top, got Lee Haney in second place. I want to say third I got eight Olympias. I’m gonna put old Phil in fourth place since he got seven Olympias and I guess I’ll put Dorian in since he got six” Coleman said.
After being reminded that he only got to pick four, Coleman joked that Dorian Yates didn’t make it onto the list.
“Oh yeah, he didn’t make it. Those are my top bodybuilders in the world today.”
Ronnie Coleman isn’t the only one reminiscing about the past. Wesley Vissers recently discussed who would win if Phil Heath, Jay Cutler, Ronnie Coleman, and Dorian Yates all went head-to-head on the Mr. Olympia stage. It is no surprise that Vissers named Coleman as the hypothetical champion.
“Ronnie Coleman first, Phil Heath second, and then I think Jay Cutler third, and Dorian fourth.”
As we near the 60th anniversary of the Mr. Olympia set to take place October 10-13 in Las Vegas, Nevada, there is no doubt that history will be made on that stage. To be sure you don’t miss any of the action, follow along here at Fitness Volt as we provide live coverage for the event that is just under three weeks away!
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