Even for a reigning World’s Strongest Man, replicating the feats of an eight-time Mr. Olympia is no small task. In a recent YouTube video posted on Nov. 16, 2023, Mitchell Hooper attempted three of Ronnie Coleman’s most iconic lifts, giving fans a glimpse of just how monumental the bodybuilding legend’s strength really was.
⚡ Conventional Deadlift — 800 Pounds for 2 Reps
Coleman famously pulled 800 pounds for two reps in the 2000 documentary Ronnie Coleman: The Unbelievable. For most athletes, this would be impossible—but Hooper, who has deadlifted over 1,000 pounds in competition, handled it with relative ease.
After warming up with 575 pounds and 685 pounds, Hooper smashed out two clean reps at 800 pounds, paying homage to Coleman with a nod to the bodybuilder’s famous catchphrase tattooed on his ankle: “Ain’t nothing but a peanut.”
🔥 Bent-Over Row — Attempted 515 Pounds for 10 Reps
Coleman’s 10 reps at 515 pounds from the 2006 documentary Ronnie Coleman: Relentless set a standard few could approach. Hooper, while supremely strong, felt less confident on this lift.
He worked up with a warm-up of 405 pounds, followed by 455 pounds for eight reps, stopping short of Coleman’s record-setting weight—but still impressively showcasing his core and back strength.
🏋️ T-Bar Row — Attempted 505 Pounds for 12 Reps
The final exercise was Coleman’s T-bar row record: 12 reps at 505 pounds. Hooper warmed up with 315 pounds and focused on controlled form, but ultimately didn’t match Coleman’s legendary feat.
Hooper reflected on the challenge, noting the risks of extreme training while emphasizing the respect he has for one of bodybuilding’s all-time greats.
🔑 Takeaways
Even for a strongman accustomed to moving massive weights, Ronnie Coleman’s powerlifting-infused bodybuilding style remains awe-inspiring. Hooper’s attempt highlights not just his own incredible strength but also the superhuman feats Coleman achieved in the gym—many of which still seem untouchable decades later.
