, Louisiana
) is an American
professional bodybuilder who holds the record of eight straight wins as Mr. Olympia
, a record career total that he shares with Lee Haney
.
Alongside his eight Mr. Olympia
wins as a professional bodybuilder, Coleman holds the record for most wins as an IFBB professional with 26. He broke the previous record (held by Vince Taylor
at 22 wins) in Moscow
on November 5, 2004.
Coleman graduated cum laude from Grambling State University
(GSU) in 1986 with a B.S degree in accounting.
I used to think that my career was to be a police officer, and that is what I was put here to do. But I always kept the faith and always worked hard on my goals and I finally found out on Sept. 25, 1998, why I was put here - (God) called me here to be Mr. Olympia.
I just take it year by year. So much time is dedicated to doing this [winning championships] that I can't see having too much time for much else.
You can't do this if you're not dedicated and determined, and have a strong faith. Because it's extremely hard, especially trying to work a job and do it.
It's so overwhelming. It's almost better than winning the lottery, because you worked for it. It's like something you want all your life, but you never thought it would happen, and all of a sudden it did.
I wasn't given the genetics for football. This is my gift right here. I was always well-built. You can't do certain sports without the genetics, and talent, too, of course.
I want to help the up-and-coming kids. A lot of times, kids don't have much to do in the summer time. When I was a kid I didn't do nothing. I want to get body building out there and it will start with the younger generation.