Many fans regard Ronnie Coleman as the undisputed G.O.A.T. of bodybuilding. While the eight-time Mr. Olympia fell short of surpassing Lee Haney, many believe Coleman fended off tougher competition than the Total-Lee Awesome. Coleman defeated bodybuilding legends like Jay Cutler, Dexter Jackson, Flex Wheeler, and others multiple times. However, The King didn’t find success early in his pro bodybuilding career.

Ronnie Coleman appeared on the Don’t Be Sour podcast hosted by Maxx Chewning. During their conversation, Chewning and Coleman discussed the former Mr. Olympia’s career in detail. While mentioning just how many Mr. Olympia contests Coleman won, The King pointed out that “It took a while,” for him to get going. When asked why, Coleman made a shocking statement on politics in bodybuilding.

Why Coleman didn’t find success after turning pro

Ronnie Coleman turned pro in 1991. However, from 91 to 97, Coleman found very little success pursuing bodybuilding glory. “I went to the Olympia. I didn’t qualify in 1993,” said the 59-year-old. “You had to place in the top three in a regular bodybuilding contest. I got like fifth to sixth every show I went to,” explained the Arnold Classic Champion.

“Why do you think that was well?” asked Chewing, but Coleman hesitated to answer. So Chewing asked, “Wasn’t big enough?” That’s when Coleman opened up. “Yeah, I wasn’t big enough and I wasn’t doing what the guys were doing,” said the eight-time champion. So, the host asked if politics was involved in Coleman’s lackluster results after turning pro. 

Shockingly, The King affirmed Chewing’s speculation. “Yeah,” said Coleman still hesitant. “So it’s like a lot of fan favorites?” prodded the podcaster. Coleman responded with, “Yeah I wasn’t a favorite.” However, the bodybuilding legend then opened up on why that was the case. “I turned pro quick,” said the 59-year-old.

Coleman said he turned pro a year after he started bodybuilding and didn’t build up a reputation in the amateur circuit. Hence, The King found it hard to gain traction with fans early on. However, things became too frustrating at one point.

The bodybuilding legend nearly quit the sport

From delivering pizza to living off the free pizza allotted for employees to becoming a cop, Ronnie Coleman struggled to keep his bodybuilding dream alive. However, after repeatedly placing well below the top five, Ronnie Coleman paused to think about his decision to pursue bodybuilding. In 1997, Coleman worked as a cop in Texas and made money off of part-time jobs. 

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He was making six figures outside of bodybuilding and one day “just said, hey I’m done with this bodybuilding stuff.” However, the former champion decided to give it one more shot. Miraculously, Coleman pulled off a massive upset the following year, beating title favorite Flex Wheeler and winning his first Mr. Olympia.

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While it took Ronnie Coleman some time to get going, when he did, The King didn’t stop until he won eight titles in a row.