In the December, 2008 edition of Flex magazine, a 1993 photo of Yates is displayed on page 156, with the question "Best bodybuilder ever?" The posing of the question in and of itself implies such a sentiment. Interestingly, such a poignant question is raised subsequent to Coleman's reign in the sport where he, according to some, "raised the bar." It would seem that Yates set a standard still unmatched to this day, much to the shagrin of the partisan Coleman supporters.
Joe Weider - IFBB Co-Founder"Many experts, including reigning Mr.Olympia, Jay Cutler, believe that at his best Ronnie has the greatest physique of all-time. When looking at pictures of Ronnie from the 1998 Mr.Olympia, I find it hard to argue with that."
Team Flex – http://www.flexonline.com/training/49"We've said before that the 245 pounds or so physique with which [Ronnie Coleman] won the 2001 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic is the best ever - unbeatable."
Lonnie Teper - MD, December 2005"I've always said that it's too hard to compare athletes of different eras (then he names a few Mr. Olympias including Dorian). Still, it's hard to imagine that anybody who's ever stepped on a bodybuilding stage could have beaten Coleman. So I reserve the right to change my mind on this one. No offense to the rest of the champs - you were/are all truly amazing physique athletes - but Coleman has really taken it to the next level, as all magnificent conquerors do."
Raymond Cassar – Muscletime Editor and Photographer"There is no one alive that can beat Ronnie Coleman when he is at his best - No One! (and his best for me was when he won the 2001 Arnold Classic)"
http://www.muscletime.com/news/contest-results/2007-mr-olympia-analysisMilos Sarcev - European Flex, April 2004"Chris Lund who I consider to be a great expert in our sport of bodybuilding, told me that Ronnie is simply the best bodybuilder he has ever seen, or photographed, and he has seen everybody, during the last 35 years."
"Ronnie Coleman is absolutely phenomenal, and I really mean that. I would also agree with all the experts who believe that he is the best bodybuilder of all time. However, I don't think he has the most aesthetic body of all time, but having said that, he certainly is the best (for IFBB pro judges) in bodybuilding."
http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?topic=237938.0Hollis Liebman - Former Fitness Editor and IFBB Official"The era of the big man would commence with Lee Haney (1984-1991), whose formidable torso would dominate the lineup for 8 straight years and was then elevated by Dorian Yates (1992-1997), whose back and overall conditioning upped the ante yet again until an alien named Ronnie Coleman (1998-2005), in all likelihood the greatest bodybuilder of all time, would redefine the sport bringing a near 300 pound contest ready physique to the stage."
http://www.getbig.com/boards/index.php?topic=238675.0
