Ronnie Coleman isn’t shy when it comes to putting his prime physique up against anyone in modern bodybuilding — and according to the 8-time Mr. Olympia champion himself, today’s competition wouldn’t even come close.
Coleman’s dominance in the world of bodybuilding wasn’t built on hype.
As well as his eight Olympia titles, his training videos from the early 2000s — including the now-iconic clips of 800-pound squats and 2,300-pound leg presses punctuated by his trademark “Yeah buddy!” — remain a staple of motivation for lifters around the world.
Despite his competitive retirement, he still trains regularly and stays engaged with fans, often sharing insights into his career and motivation online.
Now, in a new appearance on The Good, The Bad & The Beast podcast with Eddie Hall, Coleman reflected on his legendary career, his training mindset, and how he believes he’d fare if dropped straight into the current Olympia lineup.
While Ronnie admitted that “there are still some pretty big guys out there” in bodybuilding, Hall was quick to ask: “How do you think, if we put a prime Ronnie Coleman in today’s Mr. Olympia, how do you think you’d do?”
Hall asked Ronnie to be “brutally honest” and “f*** anyone’s feelings.” The verdict? He wouldn’t just win — he’d do it without breaking much of a sweat.
“I’d do amazing,” Ronnie said.
“As in you’d win?” Hall asked.
“Easily. Yeah. I don’t think I’d have to train as hard or diet as hard,” Coleman replied, before joking that he could take another Mr Olympia title as a “part-time bodybuilder”.
Hall, who’s never one to avoid a bit of gym banter, agreed with the bodybuilding icon. He even joked that Coleman could coast through a modern prep and still dominate the stage: Who just won? Was it Derek [Lunsford]? Yeah, no offense, Derek, but Ronnie Coleman could have done two days a week and beat you.”
Check out the full interview below:
A Reign Built On Relentless Work
Coleman made his professional debut back in 1991 at the IFBB World Amateur Championships before earning his first pro victory at the 1995 Canada Pro Cup. From there, the Texan powerhouse exploded into the upper echelons of the sport, carving out one of the most dominant careers in bodybuilding history.
By the time he stepped away from competition, Coleman had tied Lee Haney’s record of eight Mr. Olympia titles, while also amassing 26 professional wins — still the most by any IFBB pro. His combination of monstrous size, razor-sharp conditioning, and eye-catching symmetry set a new standard that many still chase today.
During his run, he faced some of the sport’s most iconic figures, including a fierce and fan-favourite rivalry with Jay Cutler. When Dorian Yates retired after six consecutive Olympia wins, it was Coleman who stepped up to fill the void — and redefine what was possible on a bodybuilding stage.
Flex Wheeler was widely expected to take the 1998 Olympia crown, but Coleman arrived in career-best condition to steal the show and kickstart a dynasty. He continued to dominate through the early 2000s, with his 2001 campaign going down as one of the most memorable in the sport’s history.
That year, Coleman didn’t just win the Olympia — he became the first-ever athlete to claim both the Arnold Classic and Mr. Olympia titles in the same year. Competing at a staggering 247 pounds, he displayed near-perfect balance of mass and symmetry. His muscle density and separation were so extreme that one magazine reportedly edited his photos to tone them down, fearing his level of detail might look too shocking in print.
Still The King
Even in retirement, Coleman’s legend continues to loom over bodybuilding. Now in his late 50s and still training with intensity despite years of back surgeries, he remains a symbol of extreme work ethic and mindset.
In many ways, Coleman’s comments about “easily” winning today’s Olympia aren’t arrogance — they’re confidence rooted in history. Coleman didn’t just win titles; he redefined what “big” meant in bodybuilding and inspired a generation of athletes to chase something beyond ordinary human standards.
Whether or not fans agree with him, one thing is certain — even decades after his last Olympia pose-down, Ronnie Coleman still knows how to make the bodybuilding world sit up and take notice.
Featured image credit: YouTube/TheGoodTheBadAndTheBeast (screenshot)
