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Before Turning Pro, Ronnie Coleman Openly Challenged Anyone Who Claimed He Took Steroids to Build His Unbelievable Physique: “I Take a Drug Test Anytime”

Published 10/16/2022, 11:15 AM EDT

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Ronnie Coleman won the Mr. Olympia title eight times and earned the nickname “The King”. However, Coleman worked his way up the ranks before winning the Mr. Olympia title consecutively. As an amateur, Ronnie won the prestigious Mr. Universe title after a lot of hard work. So when people claimed he took steroids, Ronnie didn’t appreciate it.

Ronnie cleared the air in his first professional live interview. The champion bodybuilder also invited his doubters to test their claims, but under one condition.

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Ronnie Coleman once issued a challenge to the doubters

When Ronnie Coleman was 28, he appeared in his first live interview. During that “Sports Talk” interview, the interviewer asked Ronnie, “There are gonna be people sitting out there saying, man! this guy must pop steroid by the handful.”

Ronnie answered“Oh but no. I’m going to foot a lot of people and I’m still fooling a lot of people who don’t think I’m drug-free.” The eight-time Mr. Olympia even challenged his doubters. “I take a drug test anytime, any day, any place and anywhere but at your expense,” said Coleman.

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Ronnie also said, “I took two (drug tests) before I won the Mr. Universe.” The interviewer then asked if any standard drug testing happens before pro bodybuilding competitions. Ronnie answered, “Well, unfortunately not.”

 

However, the bodybuilding legend didn’t stop there. Ronnie clarified he was among, “Maybe one or two drug free bodybuilders.” He also said that most pro bodybuilders don’t even try to hide the fact that they use PEDs.

When Ronnie Coleman appeared for the Sports Talk interview, he was yet to turn pro. Ronnie hadn’t competed in Mr. Olympia yet, however, he had already won the 1991 Mr. Universe title. While Ronnie took part in 1992, Mr. Olympia contest, he wouldn’t win until 1998.  

Ronnie talked about steroid use with Joe Rogan

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In July 2020, “The King” appeared on the Joe Rogan Experience. The highlight of the episode was when Rogan and Ronnie talked about the use of steroids in bodybuilding. Ronnie admitted that after turning pro, he also took steroids. However, he didn’t use any PEDs before turning 30.

Coleman admitted to using testosterone and growth hormone. “The King” explained PEDs, helped him maintain muscle mass while being shredded. Coleman also said that there were many pros who used a lot more PEDs than he did. 

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Watch this story – 8X Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman Named Is Female Counterpart in Bodybuilding World

The iconic bodybuilder loved working out and started training in the gym long before stepping into bodybuilding. Coleman used steroids, however, he also had elite genetics. “Big Ron”, won the biggest amateur bodybuilding title, Mr. Universe, as a natural bodybuilder. So, in 1991, when people doubted his hard work, Ronnie didn’t back away from defending himself and his work ethic.

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Written by:

Sagnik Bagchi

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Edited by:

Pritam Priyedarshi