review of mr. olympia 1999, january 2000, page 90:
257 pounds, a good seven pounds heavier than last year and the clear winner, ALTHOUGH NOT AS BONE DRY OR AS ROCK HARD IN 98. In comparison to 98, his thighs are enourmous with a greater sweep and his front delts have improved; plus the pec anomaly (gyno) is no longer present.
Impressive split biceps. An awesome back double biceps on which muscle fights with muscle to hang onto his frame. A big, big lat spead promted Dorian "backman" yates to comment, "ronnie looks like a cartoon character". when doing back poses, ronnie would hitch up his trunks to expose ripped glutes.
Quote Peter McGough Flex Magazine Jan 2001
RONNIE COLEMAN : ( 264lbs As big as a house , but holding water. In '98 , he was shredded and bone dry at 250 pounds. Last year ( 1999 ) he was 257 pounds but NOT as sharp as '98. This year ( 2000 ) at 264 pounds , he's not as sharp as 99 , which would seem to say that Ronnie is better at a lighter weight .
Ronnie Coleman on Pro Bodbuilding Weekly
Ronnie what was your best Olympia ? Ronnie Coleman: I would have to say my first because my conditioning was spot-on
You may have liked his 99 appearance better than 1998 but to claim he's drier & harder in 99 is a lie and you know it ! Ronnie's best overall appearances are considered 1998 or 2001 Arnold Classic specifically because his conditioning at those two shows are as good as he ever got for him.