Ronnie Coleman’s life reflects the two contrary aspects of bodybuilding. To become the King of the sport with eight Mr. Olympia titles, Coleman had put his health at stake to a great extent. But post-retirement, he understood the gravity of his herniated disc and sought medical attention. However, the recovery process has been never-ending, and the 59-year-old is undergoing stem cell therapy to heal himself.

Recently, the King became candid about his medical issues at the 2023 Dubai Muscle Show and why he had to choose stem cell therapy for his recovery.

Ronnie Coleman spills beans on his stem cell therapy

King Coleman fused his vertebrae while squatting 600 lbs in 1996, even before he won his first Sandow. But unlike others, he refused to seek medical attention and pushed through the pain for a decade to win eight Sandow trophies. However, post-retirement, he had to undergo eight back surgeries, three hip surgeries, and three neck surgeries. 

“I’ve had a lot of surgery, and I was getting ready to go and have another surgery,” Coleman confessed. However, his doctor’s warning stunned him. “I don’t know if we should operate on you because that 28 disc is right next to your heart. You might not wake up if you go into this one,” Ronnie Coleman’s doctor revealed. So, the King thought that this was something that should not be tampered with. 

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So, he opted for stem cell therapy and recovered from the immense pain he was suffering. And the bodybuilding maestro is witnessing great progress due to his new alternative treatment. Despite being wheelchair-bound, Coleman never regretted his decision to pursue the sport, even after the injury. However, there was one thing he wished he had done.

The 8x Mr. Olympia champion’s regret

Dorian Yates retired from the competitive bodybuilding scene in 1997, and many iconic bodybuilders were waiting to lift the Sandow trophy the following year. However, their aspirations remained mere dreams as Coleman would reign the Mr. Olympia stage for eight successive years starting from 1998. 

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But to become the GOAT, he had to compromise his health. However, Coleman laments the fact that he did not push for an extra two reps while performing his iconic 800 lbs squat and embraces his life in the late fifties with the same zeal as his prime.

Ronnie Coleman is a true inspiration for athletes worldwide. His fans would be happy to know that their icon is walking on the path of recovery with hope and results. Let’s hope the King’s pain reduces largely with further stem cell therapy.