Coleman appreciates Lunsford’s potential and strategy to the game.
Because the 212 Olympia champion in 2021 and the 2022 Mr. Olympia runner-up, Derek Lunsford doesn’t essentially want endorsements from anybody on the surface trying in. He’s a bona fide fashionable celebrity and appears destined for a prolific bodybuilding profession. That stated, if there have been an individual to speak Lunsford’s abilities up, there in all probability isn’t a greater decide than eight-time Mr. Olympia champion (1998-2005) Ronnie Coleman.
On June 5, 2023, Coleman posted a video to his YouTube channel the place he referred to as Lunsford his “favourite bodybuilder” of this presently stacked technology. (Be aware: Coleman maintained that he additionally appreciated the exploits of 2023 Arnold Basic (AC) winner Samson Dauda.) Coming from a legend like Coleman, it’s fairly the shining qualifier for Lunsford, particularly after the pair’s shared coaching session in early April 2023.
Coleman didn’t mince his phrases endorsing each Lunsford and Dauda. Whereas discussing the state of the game, he dove proper into his appreciation for the 2 high-profile health stars.
“My favourite bodybuilder for the time being, let’s see, hmm, Derek Lunsford might be my No. 1 favourite,” Coleman mused. “In all probability my No. 2 favourite … I type of like that man that received the final [2023] Arnold Basic, his title is Samson Dauda. If I needed to decide any favourite, it’d be [one of] these two.”
As for Coleman’s reflection on bodybuilding as an entire, particularly the place the Males’s Open class stands, the icon thinks the game is in a wholesome place with regards to coaching, diet, and dedication to their craft. Given a number of the athletes’ staggering physiques on show whereas visitor posing on the latest 2023 Pittsburgh Professional, Coleman’s wide-spanning evaluation definitely seems to be on the mark.
“I see each technology has its personal period,” Coleman started. “Largely, all of us need to work extraordinarily arduous and weight-reduction plan extraordinarily arduous and make the most important sacrifices ever. So, I believe that the following technology of bodybuilders is a reasonably good class of men. They work extraordinarily arduous. They practice arduous. They weight-reduction plan arduous. I believe the brand new technology is a reasonably good technology.”
Lastly, after some well being scares over the previous yr, Coleman turned his consideration to himself. The retired legend maintained he’s on the upswing and seems to be progressing effectively after all of the surgical procedures he’s had on his neck and again through the years.
“I’m doing fairly good,” Coleman stated. “I’m in nice well being and my final check-up was again in March [2023]. I had a very good, clear invoice of well being so far as my final check-up goes. Now, I’ve one other one, in all probability in a few months. So, we’ll see how that goes. However for now, I’m doing fairly good.”
Even in his deserved retirement, Coleman stays a big and influential voice in bodybuilding. Whether or not athletes like Lunsford and Dauda preserve their grip on Coleman’s favor stays to be seen. Although, in the event that they’re preserving the pedal to the metallic, Coleman will doubtless proceed to sing their praises.
Featured picture: @dereklunsford_ on Instagram
