"I have no regrets. I was doing what I truly loved doing. The only regret I have is that I squatted 800 pounds in only two reps when I could do more."
Ronnie Coleman
As fans of bodybuilding, we all have great respect for Ronnie Coleman, who has achieved feats that most of us can only dream of. With eight Mr. Olympia titles and a career that spanned more than a decade, he has cemented his place in the pantheon of bodybuilding legends.
However, in recent years, Coleman has faced some serious health challenges that have left him unable to walk without assistance.
In the following sections, I'll take a closer look at some of the reasons behind his struggles, and express my admiration for the courage and perseverance he has shown in the face of adversity.
Additionally, I have included a video where he discusses his health condition and the surgeries he underwent after his bodybuilding career.
Injuries Sustained During Ronnie Coleman's Career
Ronnie Coleman's remarkable career as a professional bodybuilder came at a cost - he sustained numerous injuries during his years of training and competition. In particular, his relentless pursuit of lifting heavy weights caused significant damage to his spine.
As Ronnie himself recalled, he began to experience back problems in high school when he injured his back in training during a deadlift.
Once again he injured his back while playing football. He had to go to a chiropractor and it helped stabilize his back.
The very injury that took its toll on Ronnie's body
But he suffered his most serious back injury in 1996 while squatting with a 600-pound. During the squats, he heard a loud pop. He thought maybe his training partner hit him on the back to fire up a little while he was squatting, but it turned out he herniated his disc really badly.
He did not have the surgery recommended by the doctors; instead, he went back to the chiropractor. Unfortunately, his back problem worsened over time and got him almost paralyzed.
The Surgeries and Procedures Coleman Underwent
During his career and after retirement, Ronnie Coleman underwent a total of 13 surgeries and medical procedures since 2007. These procedures were required to repair the damage caused by years of heavy intense training and competition.
Some of the surgeries that Coleman underwent included multiple spinal surgeries, including a spinal fusion in an attempt to alleviate the pain and regain his mobility, two hip replacement surgery, and a corrective procedure on his back.
Unfortunately, the surgeries did not always get the result as planned and they worsened the injuries and health problems he had been experiencing. As a result, he experienced some complications.
He has back pain and leg numbness because of scar tissue, and hardware(14 screws, 2 cages, 2 rods) that hold the spine together irritating the nerves.
He has also undergone extensive physical therapy and rehabilitation in an effort to regain some of his physical abilities.
Despite all the efforts, the damage was irreversible, and the injuries eventually led to his today's health condition so he can't walk without assistance and has to use a wheelchair to travel long distances.
Coleman's injuries serve as a sobering reminder of the physical toll that professional bodybuilding can take on the human body, even for the most dedicated and talented athletes.
Will Ronnie Coleman Ever Walk Again?
Despite his current inability to walk without assistance following multiple surgeries, Coleman perseveres and uses a wheelchair or walking crutches to continue his daily activities. He is not one to give up and remains determined to regain his ability to walk and is willing to take whatever steps necessary to achieve this goal.
As medicine, science, and technology continue to advance, there is hope that in the future, conditions like Ronnie Coleman's may be treated more effectively and health can be restored to normal.
Live Legend as a Source of Inspiration
Despite the challenges he has faced, Coleman remains a source of inspiration to many in the bodybuilding community for his dedication and perseverance. He demonstrates a fierce determination to overcome adversity and continue living his life to the fullest.
The word disabled is not applicable to this fighter. No matter what, he is still working out because he loves it. The retired legend runs his company Ronnie Coleman Signature Series, which specializes in providing premium sports supplements and gym apparel for fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders. And he promotes his company at multiple bodybuilding and fitness events.
He is also actively involved in public life in the bodybuilding community. He attends many high-ranking tournaments, he is regularly invited for interviews, and he has a YouTube channel @RonnieColeman8. Overall he has a pretty busy life.
His legacy as a champion bodybuilder and his impact on the sport will never be forgotten.
Here you can watch Ronnie Coleman in a police uniform doing his job as a police officer in Arlington.
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