Kalecinski reveals his psychological struggles with the game.
Final up to date on March thirteenth, 2025
2024 Traditional Physique Olympia bronze medalist Urs Kalecinski, nicknamed “The Miracle Bear,” not too long ago joined Hany Rambod’s The Fact Podcast after their arm exercise. Kalecenski mentioned his bodybuilding beginnings, success as a pure bodybuilder, and struggles with the game.
Kalecinski skipped the 2025 Arnold Traditional in early March, the place Mike Sommerfeld dethroned Wesley Vissers, the 2024 Traditional Physique winner. Kalecinski intends to contend for the 2025 Olympia title later this 12 months; he certified through his 2024 Olympia third-place end.
A Lifelong Dream
Kalecinski’s bodybuilding journey began at 13 years previous. Impressed by his older brother, a gymnast, he noticed the game as a approach to leverage his bodily attributes.
I noticed him getting consideration and thought, ‘Okay, I have to look good too.
—Urs Kalecinski
It planted a seed for Kalecinski’s future.
Regardless of rising up in a small German village the place bodybuilding wasn’t common, Kalecinski immersed himself within the self-discipline. Retired IFBB Professional bodybuilder Marcus Rühl was his mentor, guiding him within the enterprise of bodybuilding.
Kalecinski, coached by Stefan Kiezl and managed by his girlfriend, Alisha, earned his professional card in 2019 and exploded in reputation after his fourth-place end on the 2021 Traditional Physique Olympia.
Drug-Free Bodybuilding Success
Kalecinski was drug-free till 12 weeks earlier than successful his professional card. He received the 2018 German Nationals present all-natural, then used enhancements in the course of the 12-week prep.
“Wanting again, it was the very best factor I may’ve completed,” Kalecinski shared after his brother instructed him, “For those who can’t win naturally, you received’t win enhanced.”
Rambod echoed the significance of constructing a stable base naturally and preached the advantages of creatine as an efficient pure muscle enhancer.
Social Media, Psychological Well being & Motivation
Whereas bodybuilding was his blessing, Kalecinski practically stop a couple of weeks earlier than the 2024 Olympia resulting from household points and social media pressures.
Final 12 months was my hardest ever. I didn’t love bodybuilding; social media — making everybody glad, the comparisons.
—Urs Kalecinski
Kalecinski’s mom supported his bodybuilding desires, however his father by no means attended any of his competitions.
I needed to make my dad proud however by no means achieved it.
—Urs Kalecinski
“I did a present close to my hometown, hoping he’d come, however he didn’t,” Kalecinski recalled. “I stood on stage, successful, however wasn’t glad. [My dad will] most likely by no means be on the Olympia; it’s unhappy, however I need to settle for and forgive.”
Kalecinski’s disappointments gasoline his need to succeed. Rambod suggested, “The identical [struggles] that may ignite your progress may burn you out, and you should heal these burns.”
The Traditional bodybuilder makes use of remedy to heal:
Having a coach on your thoughts is tremendous necessary.
—Urs Kalecinski
The 2025 Olympia and Past
Because the reigning, six-time Traditional Physique Olympia champion, Chris Bumstead, retired following his 2024 Olympia victory, the Traditional Physique crown is up for grabs. Kalecinski is leveraging a protracted low season to rebuild and return stronger on the 2025 Olympia.
At 270 kilos, there’s hypothesis he’ll transfer as much as the Open division, however he stays targeted on Traditional Physique. “I wish to win the Olympia first. After that, we’ll see,” he divulged.
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Featured picture: @the.miraclebear on Instagram
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