Urs Kalecinski shares the biggest things he loves about bodybuilding… and the one aspect of bodybuilding he absolutely dislikes
In the second episode of GI Conversation With Urs Kalecinski, Vlad Yudin continues his in-depth discussion with pro Classic Physique bodybuilder Urs Kalecinski. Urs, a top competitor, shares his early influences, the origins of his passion for bodybuilding, and the unique challenges he faces as a German athlete.
This episode provides a closer look at Urs Kalecinski’s journey, shedding light on the personal motivations and experiences that have shaped his career. From humble beginnings in a small village to becoming one of Germany’s top bodybuilders, Urs opens up about what drives him and what he hopes to achieve.
A Family of Athletes: Why Urs Chose Bodybuilding
The conversation kicks off with Vlad Yudin asking Urs Kalecinski why he decided to become a bodybuilder. Urs shares that his passion for the sport is rooted in his family’s strong athletic background. His mother was a ballerina, and his father was a weightlifter—two disciplines that require a balance of grace and strength. Inspired by both parents, Urs saw bodybuilding as a unique way to combine these elements. Bodybuilding, with its focus on muscular development and posing, became a perfect fusion of his family’s athleticism.
Urs Kalecinski adds a humorous twist to his origin story, recounting how, at the age of 13, he was motivated by a desire to impress girls. He admired the attention his brother, a professional gymnast, received from women and decided that building an impressive physique could give him the same appeal. What started as a youthful desire for admiration soon transformed into a deep love for bodybuilding, leading Urs to compete just a few years later at the age of 16.
Humble Beginnings: Training with Limited Resources
Vlad then delves into the early challenges of Urs Kalecinski’s training journey, particularly his limited access to proper equipment. Urs confirms that he had a “very humble beginning” in a small village where “there were more cows than people.” With only a single barbell and a few makeshift weights, he had to improvise his workouts. Despite these challenges, he developed a strong work ethic that has stayed with him throughout his career.
Even today, Urs Kalecinski prefers to train in a raw, underground gym rather than seeking out high-end facilities. He believes that this environment keeps him grounded and hungry, reminding him of where he came from and driving him to work even harder. Urs sees this mindset as essential to maintaining his competitive edge, despite the success he has already achieved in the sport.
Fast Track to Success: Turning Pro at 21
Yudin shifts the conversation to Urs Kalecinski’s rapid rise in the bodybuilding world, earning his pro card at just 21 years old. Urs attributes this achievement to his early start in the sport, explaining that beginning weightlifting at 13 and competing by 16 gave him a head start.
While 21 might seem young to become a pro, it was the culmination of nearly a decade of focused training and preparation. Urs Kalecinski also acknowledges the role of genetics in his success, admitting that he has been fortunate to have a body that responds well to intense training and diet.
The Story Behind the “Miracle Bear” Nickname
Fans of Urs Kalecinski know him by his memorable nickname, “The Miracle Bear,” and Vlad Yudin is eager to hear the backstory. Urs recounts how the nickname came to be, tracing it back to his early days on Instagram. Recognizing that his first name, Urs, translates to “The Bear” in German, he decided to play around with it.
One of his friends saw him posing and joked, “Bro, you are a miracle bear.” The name stuck, and it became his Instagram handle. Even when he later had the opportunity to use his real name for his social media, he chose to keep the quirky moniker, believing it added a fun, memorable touch to his persona.
What Urs Loves (and Dislikes) About Bodybuilding
When asked about what he loves most about bodybuilding, Urs Kalecinski highlights the sense of personal accomplishment that comes from building a physique through sheer hard work. He emphasizes that while material success can buy many things, no amount of money can purchase a well-sculpted body.
“No fat, ugly rich person can buy a good physique,” he says, underscoring that in bodybuilding, every improvement is a testament to dedication and discipline. Urs also speaks passionately about how the discipline he’s learned through bodybuilding has helped him in other aspects of life.
One of the proudest moments in his life, Urs Kalecinski shares, was when he earned enough money to support his mother’s retirement. Being able to give back to his family was deeply fulfilling for him, and he credits bodybuilding for enabling this achievement.
However, there is one aspect of the sport that Urs finds frustrating—the criticism from those outside the bodybuilding world. He mentions that many people online criticize bodybuilders without understanding the dedication and sacrifices required to reach their level. This lack of knowledge and appreciation for the sport is a source of annoyance for him, but he remains focused on his goals rather than letting the negativity affect him.
German Bodybuilding: Upholding a Legacy
Yudin asks about Germany’s contribution to bodybuilding and Urs Kalecinski’s perspective on the great German bodybuilders that have come before him. Urs mentions his close relationship with Markus Rühl, a legendary figure in the sport. The two often collaborate on videos, and Urs values Markus’ advice and support. He points out that many successful German bodybuilders eventually leave the country to seek more opportunities abroad, but he is determined to stay and contribute to the growth of the sport within Germany.
Urs Kalecinski hopes that through his visibility and success, he can inspire more young Germans to take up bodybuilding. He believes that platforms like Generation Iron play a crucial role in spreading the appeal of bodybuilding to new audiences and hopes that his interview can spark interest among German fans.
Building a Fanbase: Germany vs. Brazil
The conversation turns to the difference in fan support between Germany and countries like Brazil, where bodybuilders are treated like superstars. Urs Kalecinski shares that he has experienced the passionate fanbase in Brazil firsthand and was struck by how enthusiastic the crowds are.
While he would love to see a similar level of excitement in Germany, he acknowledges that Germans often reserve their enthusiasm until an athlete achieves a major victory. For this reason, he is more motivated than ever to win the Mr. Olympia, believing that such a win would ignite the passion of German fans and transform the local bodybuilding scene.
Aiming for the Top: Urs’ Vision for the Future
As the episode wraps up, it’s clear that Urs Kalecinski is not just focused on his own career but also on the broader impact he can have on the sport. He sees himself as a potential catalyst for change in Germany’s bodybuilding culture, aiming to inspire the next generation of athletes. With the 2024 Olympia on the horizon, Urs is determined to make his mark, both on the global stage and at home.
Wrap Up
Episode two of GI Conversation with Urs Kalecinski offers an intimate look at the motivations, challenges, and aspirations of one of the most promising athletes in Classic Physique bodybuilding. From his humble beginnings in a small village to becoming a pro at just 21, Urs’ story is one of perseverance and passion.
As he continues his journey to one day win the Classic Physique Olympia, fans will be watching to see if he can achieve his goal and elevate bodybuilding’s profile in Germany. For now, Urs remains steadfast, determined to prove that the “Miracle Bear” can make history on the Olympia stage.
You can watch the full episode at the top of this article. And make sure to check back every week for new episodes and more GI exclusives only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network!
