Body-building legend a hit with locals (+video)

Local man Liam Keys, right, meets bodybuilding legend Ronnie Coleman in Rotorua on Friday Photo/Ben Fraser

Fitness enthusiasts formed a steady line out the doors of a Rotorua store to see one of the greatest body builders in history, Ronnie Coleman.

Mr Coleman, 51, was hard to miss - at about 180cm tall and 150kg he packed a visual punch while signing autographs and taking photos with fans at Payless Supplements on Tutanekai St yesterday.

The body building legend, who won Mr Olympia a record eight times, was in the city to promote his body-building products.

Rotorua man Liam Keys got his biceps signed by the sporting great.

He was happy to meet one of his biggest inspirations, he said.

"I just thought no one else had got their biceps signed. I'll be sticking my arms in a plastic bag if I have a shower, I might get it tattooed on," he said.

Mr Coleman was enjoying his time in Rotorua, he said.

"It has been a busy day but I am not tired, we are just chilling. I am loving it here, it's all good, I am having a great time. It's the only place to be."

Payless Supplements Rotorua owner Kiki Kahlon said he had expected a large crowd.

"People that are training, they all know Ronnie, you just mention him and everyone knows him. He is pretty much the best in the world and nobody has beaten his record."

He said he had been excited to meet Mr Coleman.

"I couldn't believe it, it came out of nowhere, I just got told he would be here."

Mr Coleman will be in Tauranga today at the Payless Supplements store on Grey St.