He Was Just a Cop—Until One Gym Turned Him Into A Legend

This video uncovers the surprising origin story of bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman, who began his journey not in a gym, but on the streets—as a police officer in Arlington, Texas. Before becoming an eight-time Mr. Olympia, Coleman was introduced to serious training when a fellow officer, impressed by his natural physique, brought him to Metroflex Gym. There, gym owner Brian Dobson recognized Ronnie’s potential instantly and persuaded him to enter the world of competitive bodybuilding—changing his life forever.

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Before becoming an eight-time Mr. Olympia, Ronnie Coleman was a police officer in Arlington, Texas, and one of his fellow officers, after seeing his physique, took him to Metroflex Gym, where he was first spotted by owner Brian Dobson and encouraged to try bodybuilding. pic.twitter.com/ossTtHimYD

— Historic Vids (@historyinmemes) May 13, 2025