2024 Classic Physique Olympia bronze medalist Urs Kalecinski, nicknamed “The Miracle Bear,” recently joined Hany Rambod’s The Truth Podcast after their arm workout. Kalecenski discussed his bodybuilding beginnings, success as a natural bodybuilder, and struggles with the sport.
Kalecinski skipped the 2025 Arnold Classic in early March, where Mike Sommerfeld dethroned Wesley Vissers, the 2024 Classic Physique winner. Kalecinski intends to contend for the 2025 Olympia title later this year; he qualified via his 2024 Olympia third-place finish.
A Lifelong Dream
Kalecinski’s bodybuilding journey started at 13 years old. Inspired by his older brother, a gymnast, he saw the sport as a way to leverage his physical attributes.
I saw him getting attention and thought, ‘Okay, I need to look good too.
—Urs Kalecinski
It planted a seed for Kalecinski’s future.
Despite growing up in a small German village where bodybuilding wasn’t popular, Kalecinski immersed himself in the discipline. Retired IFBB Pro bodybuilder Marcus Rühl was his mentor, guiding him in the business of bodybuilding.
Kalecinski, coached by Stefan Kiezl and managed by his girlfriend, Alisha, earned his pro card in 2019 and exploded in popularity after his fourth-place finish at the 2021 Classic Physique Olympia.
Drug-Free Bodybuilding Success
Kalecinski was drug-free until 12 weeks before winning his pro card. He won the 2018 German Nationals show all-natural, then used enhancements during the 12-week prep.
“Looking back, it was the best thing I could’ve done,” Kalecinski shared after his brother told him, “If you can’t win naturally, you won’t win enhanced.”
Rambod echoed the importance of building a solid base naturally and preached the benefits of creatine as an effective natural muscle enhancer.
Social Media, Mental Health & Motivation
While bodybuilding was his blessing, Kalecinski nearly quit a few weeks before the 2024 Olympia due to family issues and social media pressures.
Last year was my hardest ever. I didn’t love bodybuilding; social media — making everyone happy, the comparisons.
—Urs Kalecinski
Kalecinski’s mother supported his bodybuilding dreams, but his father never attended any of his competitions.
I wanted to make my dad proud but never achieved it.
—Urs Kalecinski
“I did a show near my hometown, hoping he’d come, but he didn’t,” Kalecinski recalled. “I stood on stage, winning, but wasn’t happy. [My dad will] probably never be at the Olympia; it’s sad, but I must accept and forgive.”
Kalecinski’s disappointments fuel his desire to succeed. Rambod advised, “The same [struggles] that can ignite your growth can also burn you out, and you must heal those burns.”
The Classic bodybuilder uses therapy to heal:
Having a trainer for your mind is super important.
—Urs Kalecinski
The 2025 Olympia and Beyond
Since the reigning, six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion, Chris Bumstead, retired following his 2024 Olympia victory, the Classic Physique crown is up for grabs. Kalecinski is leveraging a prolonged off-season to rebuild and return stronger at the 2025 Olympia.
At 270 pounds, there’s speculation he’ll move up to the Open division, but he remains focused on Classic Physique. “I want to win the Olympia first. After that, we’ll see,” he divulged.
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Featured image: @the.miraclebear on Instagram
