Arnold had Sergio and Louis. Haney had Gaspari and Labrada. Ronnie battled Flex, Levrone, Shawn Ray, Cormier and Nasser for four straight years! And then in 2001, Cutler came out of nowhere and but for the exception of 2002, he’s been on Ronnie’s back ever since. Along with more of Levrone and Cormier; and later, Gunter, Gustavo and Dex. He’s even competed in the Arnold and won! He’s the only Mr. O to do that.
He also has a champion’s heart. Ronnie won the Arnold in 2001. That same year he won the Olympia. He returned in 2002 and won the Olympia again. A week later he won the Grand Prix in Hungary. Two weeks later he lost the GNC to Gunter. He peaked five times in two consecutive seasons! Never again.
He returned to the Olympia in ’03 and won decisively, but not by enough to ensure his supremacy. In 2004, the world changed forever. The world saw the biggest mass of muscle ever amassed onstage – a 290 pound beast! He set the bar so high in ’04 that even he’s having trouble reaching it.
That’s what makes Ronnie the ultimate champion. That, and his iron will, his big heart and his belief in his faith. He’s very dedicated and his work ethic is extraordinary! He trains like each workout’s his last. I admire his intense drive to be the best, his confidence and his love for the sport. That’s why eight or nine, it doesn’t matter.
Ronnie Coleman could be the greatest Mr. Olympia of all time.
