Kalecinski reveals his psychological struggles with the game.
Final up to date on March thirteenth, 2025
2024 Basic Physique Olympia bronze medalist Urs Kalecinski, nicknamed “The Miracle Bear,” just lately joined Hany Rambod’s The Reality 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 Classic in early March, the place Mike Sommerfeld dethroned Wesley Vissers, the 2024 Basic Physique winner. Kalecinski intends to contend for the 2025 Olympia title later this yr; he certified by way of 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 solution 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 standard, 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 recognition after his fourth-place end on the 2021 Basic Physique Olympia.
Drug-Free Bodybuilding Success
Kalecinski was drug-free till 12 weeks earlier than profitable his professional card. He gained 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, “Should you can’t win naturally, you gained’t win enhanced.”
Rambod echoed the significance of constructing a strong 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 almost stop a couple of weeks earlier than the 2024 Olympia on account of household points and social media pressures.
Final yr was my hardest ever. I didn’t love bodybuilding; social media — making everybody blissful, the comparisons.
—Urs Kalecinski
Kalecinski’s mom supported his bodybuilding goals, however his father by no means attended any of his competitions.
I wished 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, profitable, however wasn’t blissful. [My dad will] in all probability by no means be on the Olympia; it’s unhappy, however I have to settle for and forgive.”
Kalecinski’s disappointments gasoline his need to succeed. Rambod suggested, “The identical [struggles] that may ignite your development may burn you out, and you need to heal these burns.”
The Basic bodybuilder makes use of remedy to heal:
Having a coach to your thoughts is tremendous essential.
—Urs Kalecinski
The 2025 Olympia and Past
For the reason that reigning, six-time Basic Physique Olympia champion, Chris Bumstead, retired following his 2024 Olympia victory, the Basic 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 centered on Basic 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