Urs Kalecinski opened up about his mindset during a difficult 2024 season.
Classic Physique bodybuilder Urs Kalecinski has become one of the best bodybuilders in the division with a great following. Kalecinski, who finished third at the 2024 Olympia, brought a great package to the show but recently revealed that he almost did not take the stage.
[RELATED: Urs Kalecinski Complete Bodybuilding Workout Routine]
Kalecinski joined Hany Rambod to discuss his journey into bodybuilding and where it has taken him today. After deciding to skip the Arnold Classic, Kalecinski will prepare for the 2025 Olympia but broke down the difficulties leading up to the show last year.
“Last year was my hardest ever. I didn’t love bodybuilding, social media, making everyone happy, the comparisons.”
Kalecinski earned his Pro Card at 21 years old. He began weightlifting at 13 and this eventually sparked an interest in bodybuilding. Before earning his Pro Card, Kalecinski won the 2018 German Nationals naturally. He began using different gear during his 12-week prep leading up to becoming a pro but felt that winning naturally was necessary first.
Urs Kalecinski Talks Difficult 2024 Season
Kalecinski uses bodybuilding as a release but shared that this was not the case last year. He dealt with different pressures, both internally and with his family, to achieve greatness. Kalecinski admits that he wanted to make his father “proud”.
“I did a show near my hometown, hoping he’d come, but he didn’t. I stood on stage, winning, but wasn’t happy.”
In 2021, Urs Kalecinski competed and won the Tampa Pro, which led to his first Olympian appearance. He was the underdog, competing against veterans like Chris Bumstead, Terrence Ruffin, and Breon Ansley. Surprisingly, Urs Kalecinski secured fourth place in the competition. He followed this with a third-place finish at the Arnold Classic in 2022 behind runner-up Ramon Rocha Queiroz and 2022 winner Terrence Ruffin. He burst into the top three in 2023 and remained there in 2024.
With all of the successes using his physique, Kalecinski explains that it is important to train your mind as well.
“The same struggles that can ignite your growth can also burn you out, and you must heal those burns. Having a trainer for your mind is super important.”
Urs Kalecinski will return to the Olympia stage this year and will be one of the contenders for the title in Bumstead’s first year of retirement.
For more news and updates, follow Generation Iron on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
