As of this writing, Ronnie Coleman has not yet tied Lee Haney's eight Olympia wins. However, that in no way diminishes his greatness, nor the reason to put him on the cover of this issue. This issue is dedicated to Ronnie because he is, right now, at the dawn of this year's Mr. Olympia competition, the greatest - and he's the man to beat. This year, if you're going to become Mr. Olympia, you have to beat Ronnie Coleman. The title is not vacant; it's not up for grabs. He has to be beaten and, by whatever criteria the contest is judged, that's no small task.
Is Ronnie Coleman the greatest Mr. Olympia of all time? That remains to be seen, but at this moment in time, he's certainly the greatest bodybuilder. Lee Haney built his reign while he was in his 20s. Ronnie is gunning for number eight at 42!
That fact alone puts him on par with no one else on earth, or, for that matter, any other planet from where bodybuilders may come (metaphorically, of course). On stage, there's no bodybuilder more seasoned, more in tune with his surroundings, or more confident. Just like in the gym. Ronnie Coleman's weight training is legendary. Not only for his intensity, but for the sheer poundage he lifts. At 42 years old, Ronnie Coleman is not only the greatest bodybuilder alive, he's also the strongest. Long after he's hung up his posing trunks, the stories of Ronnie's 800-pound squats or his parking lot lunges will endure forever.
What does Ronnie think of all this - his reign, his image, his battles, his future? In the next issue of MD, (which appears on newsstands next week)Ronnie's longtime friend and fellow competitor, Flex Wheeler discusses the possibility of Ronnie being the best bodybuilder ever. Complete with the most spectacular photos of Ronnie and quotes from numerous pro bodybuilders, IFBB insiders and industry bigwigs, this is perhaps the most comprehensive look into how, where and why history will place Ronnie Coleman where it will. Is he the greatest ever? Only time will tell.
Steve Blechman, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief
Muscular Development Magazine
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