Ronnie Coleman is Coming Back In 2009

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TweetRonnie Coleman is Coming Back In 2009

Written by: Allan Donnelly

Ronnie Coleman eyeing return to the stage in early 2009

March 4, 2008
FLEXONLINE.COM

We heard it last night on Pro Bodybuilding Weekly, but we've heard it before. So, after hearing the rumors that eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman was seriously contemplating a return to the stage in 2009, we decided to hear it from the man himself.

"Yeah," Coleman told FLEXONLINE.COM this afternoon, "I'll come back and probably be doing the Arnold [Classic] or something like that. Or some big European show. Im really big in Europe and people appreciate me a whole lot over there. I'm really thinking Australia [for the Australian Grand Prix], thats a big possibility."

Coleman, who says he was weighing around 295 pounds at the Arnold Classic last weekend, said he hasn't been in the gym since October, the longest stretch of time he has taken away from training in more than 20 years.

"Im recovering pretty good," Coleman said. "I'm enjoying the break, but I'm getting a little out of shape. I can tell I have to start hitting it pretty soon."

Coleman, who owned the Olympia stage from 1998 to 2005, finished fourth at the 2007 Olympia, a contest he said would be his final competition. However, on an appearance on PBW before the Olympia, Coleman hinted that he was considering a return to competition, only not on the Olympia stage. By the time Coleman returns to competition - assuming he decides to compete in the 2009 Australian Grand Prix, he will be 44 years old. Coleman, however, claims age will not be a factor in his return.

"It's really hard for me to take off this year," Coleman said. "I guess Im just so used to competing and getting up on stage. It's all Ive known for the past 16, 17, 18 years. It doesnt take much for me to get fired up to compete. With me, this will be the first time I've had a whole year off, so I know that I cant get worse. I can only get better. Ill be pretty close to [100 percent].

[FUZO]

TweetCOOL

[a-bomb83]

Tweethasnt been to the gym since october? what else happened in october? hmm, let me see....oh yeah, ORD. lmao

[Deno]

Tweethmm... I guess he ain't good enough anymore to compete in Mr.O

[6p6]

TweetI'm glad he's coming back, dudes a stand up guy

[FUZO]

TweetHE WILL DEFINITLY GET BACK IN SHAPE. WITH ALL THIS TIME OFF INJURIES TO HEAL HIS BODY SHOULD RESPOND BETTER

[mpresiv]

TweetIn my opinion he had the best physique ever. Probably will go down as the best bodybuilder ever to grace the stage. I dont think he should compete again. Kinda like when Jordan came back and played for the wizards. Its just not the same and you have nothing else to prove. You are a legend already.

[angryoldman]

TweetI think Ronnie's organs are telling him to take a break. I'm suprised that at his age, and how long he been in the game, he hasn't had a kidney replacement or 2 yet. I just look at Flex Wheeler, and how he wanted it so bad. Then out of no where, his kidney fails. I like Ronnie, and agree he will go down as one of the best (Next to Lee haney). But I like the guy enough to see him live another 20 years. He should quit now.