Ronnie Coleman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Ronnie Coleman
Bodybuilder
Coleman during a public appearance in 2014
Personal info
Nickname	The King
Born	(1964-05-13) May 13, 1964 (age 61) Monroe, Louisiana, U.S.
Height	5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
Weight	Contest: 287–300 lb (130–136 kg) Off season: 315–330 lb (143–150 kg)
Professional career
Pro-debut	IFBB World Amateur Championships, 1992
Best win	IFBB Mr. Olympia, 1998–2005
Predecessor	Dorian Yates
Successor	Jay Cutler
Active	1990–2007

Ronald Dean Coleman (born May 13, 1964) is a retired American professional bodybuilder who many people consider the greatest bodybuilder of all time. Known as "The King", Coleman won the famous Mr. Olympia title eight times in a row, tying the record for the most wins ever. He was famous for his incredible muscle size, strength, and conditioning.

Because of his amazing career, Coleman was added to the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2016. In 2021, he received the 'Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement Award' for his contributions to the sport.

Early Life and Education

Ronnie Dean Coleman was born in Monroe, Louisiana, on May 13, 1964. He grew up in a family that taught him the value of hard work. In 1989, he graduated with honors from Grambling State University with a degree in accounting. While in college, he played football as a linebacker for the Grambling State Tigers.

After college, Coleman had trouble finding a job as an accountant. He worked at Domino's Pizza for a while. Later, he became a police officer in Arlington, Texas, where he served from 1989 to 2000.

Bodybuilding Career

Getting Started

While working as a police officer, a fellow officer suggested Coleman join the Metroflex Gym. The gym's owner, Brian Dobson, saw Coleman's potential. He offered Coleman a free lifetime membership if he would let Dobson train him for the 1990 Mr. Texas competition.

Coleman agreed and won first place in his first-ever contest. In 1991, he won the World Amateur Championships, which allowed him to become a professional bodybuilder.

The Road to Mr. Olympia

Coleman's journey to the top was not easy. In his first Mr. Olympia contest in 1992, he didn't place well. For the next few years, he competed in many shows around the world, slowly improving. He traveled by train because it was all he could afford.

By 1995, he won his first professional show, the Canada Pro Cup. He continued to work hard, and his rankings at Mr. Olympia got better each year. He placed 6th in 1996 but dropped to 9th in 1997. This only made him more determined.

The King's Reign (1998–2005)

In 1998, everything changed. Coleman had dramatically improved his physique and won several big shows leading up to the Mr. Olympia contest. That year, the previous champion, Dorian Yates, had retired, leaving the title open.

Coleman surprised everyone by defeating the favorites to win his first Mr. Olympia title. He was praised for his amazing back muscles and overall size. This was the beginning of an incredible winning streak.

For the next seven years, no one could beat him. He won the Mr. Olympia title a total of eight consecutive times, from 1998 to 2005. During this time, he kept getting bigger and stronger. At the 2003 Mr. Olympia, he weighed nearly 292 pounds on stage, which amazed other competitors and judges. Fellow bodybuilder Flex Wheeler said his poses were "perfection from top to bottom."

In 2001, Coleman became the first person to win both the Mr. Olympia and the Arnold Classic in the same year. By 2005, he had tied Lee Haney's record of eight Mr. Olympia wins, cementing his legacy as "The King."

Later Career and Retirement

In 2006, Coleman's long reign ended when he placed second to his rival, Jay Cutler. He competed one last time at the 2007 Mr. Olympia, placing 4th, before announcing his retirement from the sport.

Personal Life

In 1998, Coleman met a personal trainer named Rouaida Christine Achkar. They married in 2007, but the marriage later ended.

In 2016, Coleman married his longtime girlfriend, Susan Williamson. They live in Arlington, Texas, with their four daughters. Coleman is a devoted Christian and family man.

Health and Training Legacy

The extremely heavy weights Coleman lifted throughout his career took a major toll on his body. Since retiring, he has had many surgeries on his hips and back. These surgeries have made it difficult for him to walk without help, and he often uses a wheelchair.

Despite these challenges, Coleman continues to train with lighter weights. He has said he does not regret his intense training because he was determined to be the best at any cost.

In June 2025, Coleman had a serious illness called sepsis. After he recovered, his family and friends started a campaign called 'Ronnie Strong' to help teach people about the dangers of sepsis.

Physical Statistics

Coleman in 2009, two years after his retirement

• Height: 5 ft 11 in (180 cm)
• Contest weight: 287–300 pounds (130–136 kg)
• Off-season weight: 315–330 pounds (143–150 kg)
• Chest / Back: 60 in (152 cm)
• Arms: 24 in (61 cm)
• Legs: 36 in (91 cm)

Famous Lifts

Coleman was known for lifting incredibly heavy weights in the gym. Here are some of his most famous lifts, which were recorded in his training videos:

• Deadlift: 800 lb (363 kg) for 2 repetitions
• Squat: 800 lb (363 kg) for 2 repetitions
• Bench press: 500 lb (227 kg) for 5 repetitions
• Dumbbell Bench Press: 200 lb (91 kg) dumbbells for 12 repetitions
• Leg press: 2,400 lb (1,089 kg) for 8 repetitions

Filmography

Coleman's training and career were featured in several documentary-style films.

See also

In Spanish: Ronnie Coleman para niños

• List of male professional bodybuilders