After making an appearance on the 2024 Olympia stage to give an award, Roelly Winklaar shares a training video showcasing his massive arms
Roelly Winklaar, famously known as “The Dutch Beast” in the bodybuilding community, has once again grabbed attention on social media with a new video showcasing his massive arms during a workout. This update comes after a long journey back from injury, following shoulder surgery in 2023, and a noticeable reduction in size that began in 2022. Despite his recovery and a brief period away from competition, the new footage reveals that Winklaar’s dedication to maintaining his legendary physique remains as strong as ever.
A Comeback After Surgery
Roelly Winklaar’s road to recovery hasn’t been easy. The shoulder surgery in 2023 was a significant setback for the 47-year-old bodybuilder, who had previously built a reputation for his immense size and impressive muscle conditioning.
Known for his standout performances on the Mr. Olympia stage, Winklaar faced an uphill battle to regain the mass and strength that once made him a perennial fan favorite. Despite these challenges, the recent video shows him working through a rigorous arm training session, emphasizing that his passion for bodybuilding persists even as he navigates the post-surgery phase of his career.
You can check out the Instagram video and his beefed up arms below:
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A Legacy in Bodybuilding
Roelly Winklaar’s journey in bodybuilding began over a decade ago, with his breakthrough at the 2009 IFBB Arnold Amateur Championships. This win earned him a pro card, allowing him to compete on the global stage. His professional debut at the 2010 IFBB New York Pro saw him claim third place, signaling his arrival as a serious contender. Over the years, Winklaar became known for his jaw-dropping mass and incredible vascularity, attributes that made him a standout in a sport dominated by larger-than-life physiques.
Throughout his career, Roelly Winklaar competed against some of the biggest names in bodybuilding, including Phil Heath, Kai Greene, and the late Shawn Rhoden. Notably, in 2018, Winklaar achieved his highest placement at the Mr. Olympia, securing third place and earning the title of “People’s Champ”—a distinction given to the competitor most favored by fans. This achievement further solidified his place in the annals of bodybuilding history.
Transitioning Through a Tough Period
However, the last few years have been challenging for Roelly Winklaar. After a promising 2019 season where he continued to place among the top contenders, Winklaar faced a series of injuries that slowed his momentum. His 2021 competition season was less fruitful, as he managed only two second-place finishes and struggled to maintain his top-tier status at events like the Europa Pro and the Romania Pro. By the time photos emerged in 2022 showing a noticeably slimmer Winklaar, speculation about his future in competitive bodybuilding began to circulate.
Though his muscle mass had decreased significantly, Winklaar remained active in the gym, focusing on recovery and mentoring other athletes. His social media updates in the months following his shoulder surgery indicated a shift in focus, with more emphasis on training videos and collaborations with other bodybuilders. These posts often showcased his enduring love for the sport, even as he explored new avenues beyond competition.
The Latest Update: A Glimpse of Hope?
The new video featuring Roelly Winklaar’s arm workout has sparked fresh speculation among fans and analysts. In the footage, Winklaar displays the size and conditioning reminiscent of his prime, despite the challenges of recent years. His biceps and triceps, long considered among the best in the sport, still retain the fullness and definition that once made him a showstopper on the Olympia stage.
This latest training update has left fans wondering whether this signals a potential return to the competitive scene, or if Winklaar is content to maintain his status as a respected figure and mentor within the bodybuilding community.
At 47 years old, Winklaar’s future in bodybuilding remains uncertain. While he has not officially announced plans for a full-fledged comeback, his continued engagement with training suggests that he isn’t ready to step away from the spotlight entirely. Many athletes in the sport have successfully transitioned into coaching or fitness entrepreneurship after their competitive years, and Winklaar’s presence on social media could indicate a similar path.
A Testament to Dedication
Roelly Winklaar’s journey serves as a testament to the relentless drive and passion that define the world of bodybuilding. From his early days in Curacao to becoming a fan favorite on the Olympia stage, Winklaar’s story is one of resilience, transformation, and an enduring commitment to the craft. As fans eagerly await more updates from the Dutch Beast, his recent video serves as a reminder that the spirit of a champion never truly fades, even when the future remains uncertain.
Whether this marks the beginning of a new chapter in his competitive career or simply a display of his enduring strength, one thing is certain: Roelly Winklaar’s influence in bodybuilding continues to inspire fans and athletes around the world. For now, all eyes remain on Winklaar as he navigates this phase of his career, with hopes that he may yet have another surprise up his sleeve.
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