Eight-time Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman is undergoing treatment for an infection in his bloodstream, according to a family statement.
Coleman was checked into a hospital for what has been called a “serious medical emergency” on Sunday, June 29. Word of Coleman’s admission came when the bodybuilding legend posted on Instagram that he would not make a scheduled appearance in the United Kingdom.
On June 30, Coleman’s family posted on his social media pages confirming the news without sharing details of what happened.
They reported that Coleman was “receiving expert medical care and continues to show incredible strength and resilience.” The complete statement can be seen in the Instagram post below.
That update was followed by another more optimistic post on Tuesday, July 1. That statement noted that Coleman was transferred to a specialized medical facility and remains under close medical supervision.
“While his condition remains complex, there have been encouraging signs of progress,” the statement read in part.
Coleman, age 61, was recently spotted at Gold’s Gym Venice training with fellow bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger, appearing to be in good health. He was still using a wheelchair as a result of the numerous surgeries he underwent following his retirement from the competitive stage.
Coleman is one of two athletes who have won the Mr. Olympia title eight times; the other is Lee Haney. Haney was one of many bodybuilding stars and legends to post messages of support for Coleman. Others include Chris Cormier, Phil Heath, and Derek Lunsford, among many others.
Coleman’s reign atop the bodybuilding world lasted from 1998 until 2005. He was considered one of, if not the strongest, bodybuilder of all time, which experts claim is the reason for the 13 surgeries he has undergone.
Coleman amassed 26 pro wins throughout his career, including his eight Sandow Trophies and the 2001 Arnold Classic. He is a member of the International Sports Hall of Fame and received the Arnold Classic Lifetime Achievement award in 2021.
BarBend will continue to share confirmed updates from Coleman and his family as they are made.
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Featured Image: @ronniecoleman8 on Instagram
