When it comes to bodybuilding, the name Ronnie Coleman needs no introduction. The King has cemented himself in the history of the sport by ruling over the bodybuilding world for the better half of the early 2000s. However, just like everything else, the 8x Mr. Olympia’s success too came with a heavy price. To stay on the top, Coleman underwent rigorous training for years altogether. Following a strict diet, and working out day and night; the champion did all that he needed to do.

However, while focusing on what the contest needed, Coleman ignored what his body needed the most -rest. Ronnie Coleman has had issues with his back and shoulders for as long as he can remember. Naturally, the lifestyle of a pro bodybuilder worsened his condition. This led to Coleman undergoing multiple surgeries to ease his pain.

The ailments and the surgeries

The root cause of Ronnie Coleman’s injuries could be traced back to 1996. It was during this year that the King dislocated his disc while doing squats. However, Coleman unknowingly made his condition worse by ignoring this injury for nearly a decade. It wasn’t until 2007 that Coleman was fed up with the constant pain and decided to get it checked. However, the initial injury along with other herniated discs over the years had already caused major damage to his body.

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In order to attend to the injuries his body has suffered over the years, The King underwent 13 surgeries in total, including two disc replacement surgeries. In 2018, Coleman underwent back surgery to remove numerous scar tissues. This was followed by another surgery in 2019 to fix four broken screws on his back. Though these surgeries were meant to cure him, his condition started deteriorating after a while.

Read More: “My Kidneys Were Off Really Bad”: Ronnie Coleman Opens Up on His Health Struggles

Ultimately, Coleman had to be operated on for the third time within a year. However, this one wasn’t much of a success either. After going through these invasive surgeries throughout his life, in an interview for Muscular Development Magazine Coleman confirmed that he has lost his ability to walk.

Did heavy weightlifting make Ronnie Coleman lose his ability to walk?

After his multiple surgeries, Coleman is currently unable to walk without support. He uses a wheelchair or walking sticks to help him carry on with his regular activities. However, Coleman is not one to give up and will do whatever it takes until he can walk again.

Looking at the King’s condition, many believe that it is a result of the rigorous training and the exceptional heavy weights Coleman lifted throughout his career. But the 8x Mr. Olympia doesn’t agree. Ronnie Coleman believes that bodybuilding and weightlifting have nothing to do with his condition. He revealed he has been suffering from body aches since his college days when he was a football player. Furthermore, Coleman claims his hip replacement surgery was a result of something genetic.

Read More: “He Can’t Even Walk”: Nick Walker Describes Bodybuilding Beast Ronnie Coleman’s Physical Struggles

Furthermore, Coleman asserts that if given a chance, he’ld do it all over again without any changes. Despite his concerning health condition, Coleman continues to inspire young bodybuilding enthusiasts.

Where is The King now?

Despite his inability to walk without support, Ronnie Coleman hasn’t completely given up on workouts. Coleman can still be found in the gym, though he is avoiding heavy weights for now. Outside the gym, the bodybuilder is busy managing his supplements and apparel brand, Ronnie Coleman Signature Series.

Coleman also has a YouTube channel where he shares podcasts and workout videos for fans to see and learn from. His undying spirit is truly an inspiration for not just the young bodybuilders but others too.

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