The man is 42 and got 2nd at the O after winning 8 straight, that is something considering he was in his 40's in the last 2. I was never a huge fan of his more massive physique in later years, but knew he did what he needed to win the title and keep it.He was not my favorite pro but I was in awe of him. The man was an animal in the gym, lifting incredible wts with ease in all movments.
The man never complained or started much controversy on his own. He was laidback and real most of the time. While I didn't find him impressive as he could have been when guest posing, he was a real Mr Olympia. He looked the part, trained as a mythical figure should and stood up to all naysayers with an ever growing incredible massive , alien physique.
He earned his pro card the old fashioned way when he passed the drug test at the 91 nationals to go on and win the Hvy wt IFBB Universe. Obviously he hit the juice shortly after that, but what pro doesn't.
I never heard of him being involved in any retarded azz clown like behavior. He worked as a cop for years and earned a college degree in accounting at Grambling where he played linebacker and powerlifted.
While it would be difficult, Ronnie could come back for one more shot to go out on top next year. I would love to see that, but wouldn't blame the man if he folds his bodybuilding tent and gets on with the rest of his life, like Haney and Yates before him.
Ronnie was all man and knew what he was...the most massive , muscular freak ever to grace the Olympia stage with a back that bested any in the history of the sport . He didn't try to be anyone else but Ronnie.
Now that the dust has settled, I look back with a great deal of respect for Ronnie as our Mr Olympia.
You did us all proud big guy, thanks for the memories . I hope you enjoy one of those cruises you go on after the Olympia dn have a great time, you earned it.
A fan in Ga , Howard
