Coleman appreciates Lunsford’s potential and method 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 skin wanting in. He’s a bona fide trendy celebrity and appears destined for a prolific bodybuilding career. 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 known as Lunsford his “favourite bodybuilder” of this currently stacked generation. (Notice: Coleman maintained that he additionally appreciated the exploits of 2023 Arnold Traditional (AC) winner Samson Dauda.) Coming from a legend like Coleman, it’s fairly the shining qualifier for Lunsford, particularly after the pair’s shared training 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 in the intervening time, let’s see, hmm, Derek Lunsford might be my No. 1 favourite,” Coleman mused. “Most likely my No. 2 favourite … I form of like that man that gained the final [2023] Arnold Traditional, his identify 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 in the case of coaching, nutrition, and dedication to their craft. Given a few of the athletes’ staggering physiques on show whereas guest posing at the recent 2023 Pittsburgh Pro, Coleman’s wide-spanning evaluation definitely seems to be on the mark.
“I see each technology has its personal period,” Coleman started. “Principally, all of us should work extraordinarily exhausting and food regimen extraordinarily exhausting and make the most important sacrifices ever. So, I feel that the following technology of bodybuilders is a fairly good class of men. They work extraordinarily exhausting. They prepare exhausting. They food regimen exhausting. I feel the brand new technology is a fairly good technology.”
Lastly, after some health scares over the past year, Coleman turned his consideration to himself. The retired legend maintained he’s on the upswing and seems to be progressing nicely after all of the surgical procedures he’s had on his neck and again over time.
“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 major 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 protecting the pedal to the steel, Coleman will probably proceed to sing their praises.
Featured picture: @dereklunsford_ on Instagram
