"King" Ronnie Coleman
Wins His 8th Mr. Olympia!

On Saturday night October 15, 2005 at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas, NV, Ronnie Coleman won his eighth Mr. Olympia title and $150,000 grand prize money. It was the 40th Anniversary for Joe Weider's Mr. Olympia which began in 1965 with a then grand prize of $1000. Coleman has now surpassed Arnold Schwarzenegger's seven Olympia wins and has tied Lee Haney's record of eight Olympia victories.

This year the IFBB mandated a controversial "Belly Ban" which called for a more balanced and proportional look with a V-taper and less thick mid sections. In response Ronnie came in at 275 pounds which was 15-20 pounds lighter than last year but still big and cut enough to capture the number one position. Jay Cutler who was right on Ronnie's heels came in a close second as was pretty much anticipated. Gustavo Badell came in number three which was the same slot as last year.

The show had some interesting added attractions such as Gene Rychlak trying to break his own bench press record of 1005 pounds with an attempt at 1015 pounds (yes, you're seeing the correct figures). Unfortunately Gene's right arm seemed to give out and the bar wound up on his rib cage - Ouch! Spotters quickly removed the bar but Gene was unable to give it another try. There was also a best legs award with a $10,000 prize that went to Jay Cutler. Probably most exciting was the Challenge Round which was judged by five former Mr. Olympias - Frank Zane, Dorian Yates, Sergio Oliva, Larry Scott, and Samir Bannout! Gustavo Badell was the Challenge Round winner and he took home $25,000 for his efforts. The Challenge Round did not count in the overall standings and did not effect the final contest point tally.

Other notable placings were Branch Warren who came out of nowhere to finish 8th, Mustafa Mohammed placing 10th from last year's 19th, and Melvin Anthony who landed the number 7 position. Most disappointing was Markus Ruhl who went from number 5 last year to number 15 this year and Chris Cormier who went from 7th last year to 13th this year.

It was nice to see Governator Arnold Schwarzenegger and Joe Weider come out on stage together and say a few words to the crowd. Arnold thanked Joe for his generosity and for bringing him to the United States in 1968. Arnold said if it wasn't for Joe he would not have had all the success he has had in his life. Joe said he started bodybuilding at age 13 and it has been his life's love and he urged everyone to keep training. Joe was honored with a standing ovation from the capacity crowd.

Also as part of the same weekend of events, the ladies of the muscle world had their chance at the Ms. Olympia, Ms. Figure Olympia, and Ms Fitness Olympia. Yaxeni Oriquen from Venezuela won the Ms. Olympia for the first time. Jen Hendershott won her first ever Ms. Fitness Olympia and Davana Medina continued her reign as three time winner of the Ms. Figure Olympia.