Name	Robin Coleman
Height	6'1
Naionality	American
Date of Birth	March 30, 1973
Place of Birth	Friendswood, Texas
Famous for

My mother dreamed of being a pageant mom when she discovered she had a 6 ft daughter who could play the violin. Ms. TX, Ms. USA…Ms. Border States? There’s nothing like calling your mom to tell her that;

A. you’ll be in a pageant, of sorts
B. that it’s a BODYBUILDING SHOW
EQUALS
C. a very freaked out Momma!!!
As a former fat girl, I used to dream of being able to wear a bikini and looking good in one. I never IMAGINED that I’d jump on a stage in one as a bodybuilder, asking professional scrutinizers to RATE me! But in 97, that’s exactly what I did.

A progression thru 16 weeks, going from 208 lbs to 160 lbs. Blood, sweat and STARVATION. I had a very hard time leaning out, but with my experts helping me I achieved success. I went from 6 meals per day at 2400 kcal, to 6 meals at 1400 kcal per day with virtually NO carbohydrates, or anything else resembling REAL FOOD. Ug! But what results came from that…

I trained 7 days a week, 2 hrs per day cardiovascularly, 5 days per week with weight training. I started by doing 45 min cardio in the mornings on an empty stomach, that grew to twice daily 1 hour sessions, in addition to the lifting! Basically, if you want to reduce yourself to having perhaps THREE available brain cells at any given time, DO THIS ROUTINE! I had been working in a physical therapy clinic at the time and towards D-Day I would forget my patient’s modalities, forget them on ice, etc. NOT good for the professional lifestyle. Eventually after years of doing this type of diet and training, though, and it becomes less cumbersome a routine.

The day of the show I was SO incredibly nervous…taking off my warm-ups backstage and getting on Jon Lindsay’s scale at this huge NPC show was mortifying! But I looked great, and did incredibly well, much to my amazement. Upon weighing in, I found out I was 160, 100 lbs less than I’d been as a sophomore in high school.! I cried such tears of amazement, happiness…it was truly unreal.

My dad and stepmother came to see my performance, and walked backstage to greet me beforehand. I was sitting in a chair being looked over for any missed spots for that paint on pro tan, and my parents PASSED ME BY COMPLETELY. Did not recognize me at all! When I called their attention to me they almost passed out! Who was this skinny copper girl??? I can’t tell you how fast Dad wanted to get some food for me!!!

Stepping out on the stage, in front of people I’d looked up to for years, was exhilarating! And I was told I was one of the best posers out there, I had so much fun being the little exhibitionist! It was one of the most significant days of my life. And, oh yeah, I did fantastically! I look forward to doing it again soon!
1st Place Novice, 2nd place Open

It was a day that taught me just how much I liked performing for an audience; from dance, to orchestra, to bodybuilding, to the acting stage...

In October of 2001 I was able to experience the adventure of my lifetime in Africa to participate in the first ever World's Strongest Woman - the female addition to the 25-years-running World's Strongest Man. For those who are not familiar with this amazing and fun show on ESPN / BBC, please reference the strongestman.com website. For those who know, the competition has changed somewhat in format from being an absolute maximum strength test to a decathalon of sorts, going more for reps and endurance. In fact, strongman and strongwoman decathalon is a great way to explain it these days.
I have included my write up from the strongestman.com website for furtherInformation: As far as World's Strongest competitions are concerned, the "girl lift" competition has a new definition! I'm Robin Regenburgh Coleman, one of the 8 competitors in the inaugural World's Strongest WOMAN. The days of bikini girls being placed upon a leg press platform as a glorified weight stack has been made obsolete by the introduction of elite female athletes fighting for a world class title.Being a part of the 1st WSW was an incredible experience! As a weightlifter, I've watched the World's Strongest Man for years, wondering when women might get the chance to try our hand at the games.

In Oct 2001 I was not only given the chance to be a part of this tradition, but also had ringside seats for the WSM. I had the chance to get to know all the athletes, male and female, and see the real drama and passion that goes into being such an extreme athlete. I was very pleased at my 3rd place finish this year. I was the 'underdog' of the competition: the other 7 girls were all top level lifters from their respective countries (let me add here that I reference sanctioned lifting meets, as most of us had never competed in strongwoman specifically prior to 2001). This was my first competition - ever! Additionally, some of the girls had experience from competing in the Scottish Highland Games or had the specific equipment for the events to train with at home- I trained for only 10 weeks in the gym for this competition, and in some of the events I was trying the strength feat for the very first time.
I was lucky enough to have a former top strongman, Tom Magee, as my coach, and through his recommendation, and the recommendation of my good friend Olympic athlete Gea Johnson, I was able to secure one of the two positions given to the US, against 12 other US girls! The power lifting I've done for my own satisfaction in the gym for the past 6 years led me to being a contender!I feel that fans of the Strongman competitions will NOT be disappointed by the WSW 2001. We were a very well matched group, and the competitions were fierce! I also hope that everyone will enjoy watching my big victory in the car squat competition, where I completed 15 reps within our 1 minute time limit! I nearly doubled the reps of the girl who took second place - I was in the middle of rep 16 when the whistle blew...
Looking back now, I realise what an amazing part of women’s history we became out there in the Zambeze sun! I am so proud to say I competed with the absolute best lifters on the PLANET, and am truly amazed at the country I was able to witness. The people of Zamia were so wonderful, so willing to teach us about their history and culture. The children who came out from school to watch us were just gorgeous, I felt what Chyna must have felt when she was in the WWF. Additionally, meeting the people affiliated with the competition, and making some great friends who I still keep in touch with, it’s overwhelmingly awesome! Africa was the first continent I wanted to visit when I became a world traveler, and that wish, along with many others, was granted. I wish you all the ability to visit the places that truly move you. There is nothing like beign able to see the world. It is the greatest blessing to witness.Robin's African Adventure The Worlds Strongest Woman 2001 was held in Zambia, Africa. Zambia is a centrally located, landlocked country; one of the poorest countries in the world financially, but one of the richest in surroundings. Victoria Falls, the worlds' largest waterfall, sits on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, and is one of the most spectacular sites anyone could hope to experience.

The Zambezi Sun Resorts (there are 3: 2 in Zambia, 1 in Zimbabwe) sit walking distance from this wonder of the world, and I was able to walk to it daily from my room during the competition! Along the walk you encounter monkeys, baboons, and occasionally elephants! Vic Falls is part of the Zambezi River, which also boasts an incredible lager beer. In fact the only beer I've ever really liked before - anyone know how to get this stuff in the USA??? Anyway, the Zambezi is home to hippos and crocs, which are quite visible to passers by, and a local business on the river boasts one of the biggest bungee jumps from a bridge over the river (which I skipped...my coach Tom Magee went though - incredible!), and the longest, hardest class 5 river rapids rafting in the world. This is the same bridge that might be seen in the preliminaries of the World's Strongest Man, where they were asked to pull a train across by a body harness. Fun stuff!!! My coach and I went river rafting after the competition.

Now, I am NOT experienced in the outdoors adventure lifestyle, but Tom is. I heard 'river rafting' and never once thought what 'class 5' means. In the USA it would mean you couldn't GO through a class 5 as a first timer...but Africa doesn't' have so much red tape!!! Picture climbing (sliding) down approx 10 stories of cliffs, winding around thru mud totally downhill, with life vest and helmet on and gear in hands, in 95 degree ' 18 degrees south of the equator' heat. What a joy. And of course I seemed to be the ONLY wimp when it came to EVERYTHING. I wanted to know where my valet was to carry my stuff!!! This is NOT a diva level experience… Tom and I finally get in a raft - with 4 kids from Australia who's main purpose for the day is to turn the raft OVER. I should have been more afraid, but I wasn't. Don't ask me why; I'm a blonde, lets leave it at that. We have a guide in each raft to help, since we are receiving our paddling/navigating instruction on the fly.

After going through drills (that seemed rather pointless when in action) we were off. The scenery was absolutely picturesque! You become swallowed by the steep cliffs surrounding you, drifting down the Zambezi, admiring the nature and wildlife at every turn. Then it happened...we rolled up to our first river rapid. At the guide's command you paddle a certain direction, then at what seems like a time too late, you jump down and squat in the raft, paddle in one hand, safety rope in the other, and pray for your life. The first two rapids were actually FUN. Then there was the third one, which was #5 for the Zambezi river as a whole (we started on the Zimbabwe side before #3 ). I am not certain what happened, all I can tell you is that it went very WRONG. I jumped into the raft, only to be booted out by a rapid from underneath, sending me skyrocketing over the heads of my raft mates and in front of the raft. I hardly knew what was going on when the rapids were sucking me down into the frenzied abyss.

I finally got close enough to gasp air after what seemed like an eternity, but I was quickly sucked under again. With my paddle still wrapped in my hand's steel grip (if it wasn't a steel grip before it was now!) I guided myself around the rocks, which were coming at me like huge brown blurs. One more breath of air, more rapids, and finally a kayak guide was at the end to pick up the remains of me. Talk about feeling your life flash before your eyes. After coughing up 20 gallons of fresh Zambezi river water (and remember you're not supposed to drink the TAP WATER in this country) I am hoisted back into my raft, very freaked out, and very much wanting to be in my plush hotel room, dry, or perhaps sitting poolside with a cocktail. But we had 6hours left... After the river rafting trip was over, I heard stories of that rapid taking the lives of many people. Of course, you have to sign a waiver to go rafting that literally signs your life away, so no one can think about suing. But looking back now, it was an incredible experience and a true test of strength. How many people can say they swam a class 5 rapid in Zimbabwe???
Later in the week, my coach Tom and I were transported to the Hwange National Park and the Katshana Tree Lodge for a Safari! We were truly in the middle of the most uninhabited place I'd ever been - I believe 14,000 sq miles of open range, with little tree lodges spread sporadically through the park. The lodge was so cute! Six little tree houses on stilts, with patios overlooking the range; it was just exquisite! And authentic as well; there were no TV's, radios, or phones. The camp manager beat a huge drum to wake us in the morning and to call us to meals, which were served as a group buffet where all the guests sat together and traded stories of the days events and from their homes from all over the world! The camp manager, who I promised to make infamous on my website, told me that I looked strong enough to just grab him and press him overhead - so to the delight of the employees of the lodge I did just that! My new friend, Aaron, and I have stayed in touch via the internet and
I look forward to hearing how his career progresses in the hospitality industry! The safari's were expertly guided - we saw every animal imaginable that one could find with one exception - the cheetah didn't make an appearance that week. Regardless, we saw lionesses on the hunt at sundown, wilder beast, buffalo, hyena, hippos, crocs, wild dogs, tons of elephants, giraffe, zebra, all types of indigenous birds including ostriches and eagles, and different types of gazelle. We usually were in an off road truck with an open back with seats. However, one day Tom recommended we do a 'nature walk'. That sounded good to me. After the river rafting though, I should have been more wary... The afternoon of the "nature walk" we're picked up by a new guide with a very BIG gun. This made me a bit uneasy. But I figured it was a good thing to have while wandering through the brush in search of, what, gazelle? Birds? With a queasy stomach and fear in my heart, our guide drove us straight to where 3 elephants were, stopped the truck, and invited us to get out!!! Stalking elephants???? Didn't I almost die once?
But I reluctantly got out with Tom and the couple that had joined us for the experience. What looked to be 3 elephants turned into 12 adults and 3 calves when we walked to a clearing where they were grazing on the bark of trees. As our guide was explaining how if they picked up our scent, which was possible from where we were standing in relation to the wind, I was looking for a tree to climb. When I remembered that while discussing the rifle that our guide only had 7 bullets, I was ready to dig a hole and crawl in. Besides, who wants to see a beautiful animal get shot? But, we ducked, walked quickly and carefully, and somehow, without throwing up, I made it with my group back to the dirt road to the truck. When we came across the lion tracks, however, I was ready to RUN!!!!! But everyone got a kick out of the big scared girl (reminiscent of the rafting trip) and I know that there's a guide in Zimbabwe who will NEVER forget me!

I wanted to be in front of the camera as an actress since I was a little girl, and while I never voiced that desire back then (once upon a time I was sensible and wanted to go into medicine), my mom, hoping to live out her unrealized dreams thru me, somehow finagled my appearance on a few local TV broadcasts...she insisted I 'had what it took', and I've thanked her for that time and again in recent years for building my strong reserve by instilling in me an inner confidence. Her efforts to get me in the spotlight have paid off, since that dream is becoming reality before my eyes now!

Through bodybuilding contacts I made while living and competing in San Diego, CA, I was introduced to several people in the entertainment industry who thought I had what it took to make it and convinced me to move closer to Hollywood. When I first moved to Los Angeles, I was lucky enough to land a job with a top notch producer, who'd produced most of Fellini's films. He taught me a lot about the industry, and I found that I was quite interested in that end of the business as well! Additionally I got to go to openings and distributer screenings...which are a big deal to just about anyone! Can you say red carpet??? Lights, stars, it's an exciting scene. Either you fall in love instantly or you despise the whole ordeal.

In 2000 I was ‘discovered’ at Gold’s Gym Venice to appear on the syndicated TV show VIP, created by and starring Pamela Anderson. The first episode was directed by Bruce Campbell- not a bad first gig! He is a fantastic director btw! I shot several episodes with them, playing a pro wrestler, a bouncer, a muscle beach bodybuilder (oh what was my motivation? LOL) and other various roles. I earned my Screen Actors Guild membership for my work on the show, and have been doing various projects since, including television, theatre, and film!

I have educated myself in two disciplines; method acting (Meisner technique) and improvisational comedy (The Groundlings). This education has proved invaluable to me, and has given me insights about my craft, and suprisingly about my personal life as well. Not to mention great listening skills! "I love your shirt!" "You love my shirt?" "I LOVE YOUR SHIRT!!!" "OK! WHATEVER! YOU LOVE MY SHIRT"...Ah yes, Stanislavski and his method of making you look like a psychopath at the local coffee shop (a regular place of rehersal).

I am currently training for several film roles coming up, both indie and mainstream. I also have two television projects in the works, and am now branching out to try my hand at various roles behind the scenes - the industry is magical and rewarding in more places than just IN FRONT of the camera!

I’ve also made notable appearances on “JENNY JONES” ("from total weasel to solid diesel"...enough said) and E! Entertainment’s “STAR DATES” (yes, it's true, I went out with Dustin Diamond...for the show...), and as a personal trainer for a couple going out on BLIND DATE. I've even done radio. And, of course, I also made an unforgettable apperance on the inagural WORLDS STRONGEST WOMAN event on ESPN & BBC!