Ronnie Dean "Big Ron" Coleman (born May 13, 1964 in Bastrop, Louisiana) is an American professional bodybuilder who holds the record of eight straight wins as Mr. Olympia, a record career total that he shares with Lee Haney.[1] Alongside his eight Mr. Olympia wins as a professional bodybuilder, Coleman holds the record for most wins as an IFBB professional with 26. He broke the previous record (held by Vince Taylor at 22 wins) in Moscow on November 5, 2004.
Biography
Ronnie Coleman graduated cum laude from Grambling State University (GSU) in 1986 with a B.S degree in accounting[citation needed]. While attending Grambling State University Coleman also played football as a middle linebacker with the GSU Tigers under coach Eddie Robinson. After graduation, Coleman became a police officer in Arlington, Texas. Coleman's fellow officer Gustavo Arlotta suggested he attend the Metroflex gym, owned by amateur bodybuilder Brian Dobson. Dobson offered Coleman a free lifetime membership if he would allow him to train Coleman for the upcoming Mr. Texas bodybuilding competition that year.
After the training for the upcoming event of Mr. Texas, Coleman won first place in both the heavy weight and overall categories. He also defeated the man that trained him, Dobson. Coleman won his first competition as a professional—the Canada Pro Cup in 1995. The following year he won the contest again. Followed by a first place win in 1997, The Russian Grand Prix.
Coleman's success as a professional bodybuilder has led to many product endorsements and other opportunities in his career. Due to his bodybuilding profession Coleman undergoes a lot of travel to places such as Brazil, China, and Australia. Coleman also makes many guest appearances at gym openings all around the United States. Coleman has also made some training videos. His first training video; The Unbelievable; The Cost of Redemption; and On the Road. In these videos Coleman gives tips for more experienced weightlifters, while warning against over exertion and improper form.
When working out, Coleman prefers to use free weights rather than machines in order to maximize his flexibility and range of motion. He lifts weights four days per week, having cut down due to touring the world and cutting down on competitive events. Coleman supports the Inner City Games, an organization that Arnold Schwarzenegger co-founded in 1991. He was the recipient of the 2001 Admiral in the Texas Navy Certificate Award from Texas Governor Rick Perry for outstanding achievements in bodybuilding and for the promotion of physical fitness.
On June 30, 2009 on MuscleSport Radio, Coleman stated that he would compete in the 2010 Mr. Olympia competition.[citation needed] Coleman also indicated that he would not participate in the 2009 Mr. Olympia competition for lack of preparation time. On October 10, 2009 at the Northern Territory Fitness & Bodybuilding Titles in Darwin, Australia, Coleman confirmed that he would compete in the 2010 Mr. Olympia competition, however, he did not appear at the 2010 Mr. Olympia competition.[citation needed]
Personal life
Ronnie Coleman was married for the first time at the age of 43 to Rouaida Christine Achkar in December 2007. He also has two daughters, Jamilleah and Valencia Daniel, and three young children from another relationship [2] Coleman is a Christian.[3][4] Coleman underwent surgery for a spinal issue in December 2011, and was recovering in January 2012.[5][6]
Bodybuilding titles
- 1990 Mr. Texas (Heavyweight & Overall)
- 1991 World Amateur Championships (Heavyweight)
- 1995 Canada Pro Cup
- 1996 Canada Pro Cup
- 1997 Grand Prix Russia
- 1998 Night of Champions
- 1998 Toronto Pro Invitational
- 1998 Mr. Olympia
- 1998 Grand Prix Finland
- 1998 Grand Prix Germany
- 1999 Mr. Olympia
- 1999 World Pro Championships
- 1999 Grand Prix England
- 2000 Mr. Brody Langley
- 2000 Grand Prix England
- 2000 World Pro Championships
- 2000 Mr. Olympia
- 2001 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic
- 2001 Mr. Olympia
- 2001 New Zealand Grand Prix
- 2002 Mr. Olympia
- 2002 Grand Prix Holland
- 2003 Mr. Olympia
- 2003 Grand Prix Russia
- 2004 Mr. Olympia
- 2004 Grand Prix England
- 2004 Grand Prix Holland
- 2004 Grand Prix Russia
- 2005 Mr. Olympia
- 2006 Grand Prix Austria – IFBB, 2nd
- 2006 Grand Prix Holland – IFBB, 2nd
- 2006 Grand Prix Romania – IFBB, 2nd
- 2006 Olympia – IFBB, 2nd
- 2007 Olympia – IFBB, 4th
See also
References
External links
| Preceded by Dorian Yates |
Mr. Olympia 1998–2005 |
Succeeded by Jay Cutler |
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