The German Markus Rühl is an IFBB bodybuilder. Rühl began training at the age of 18 following a doctor’s recommendation after sustaining a knee injury while playing soccer. Markus Rühl finished 5th in the 2004 Mr. Olympia.
“I like being a freak. It’s a compliment when people go ‘ooh’ and ‘aah’ seeing my size.” said Rühl. Rühl was very popular with fans, if not judges, for his unabashed quest to cram as much mass as possible onto his wide, 5’10” frame. A late starter but fast riser, he didn’t begin serious workouts until he was a skinny 20-year-old, but five years later he flexed in his first pro contest.
Watch The Following: Mass Monster Battle: Markus Rühl vs. Big Ramy!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3l3FLH99NSA
Level Up Your Fitness: Join our 💪 strong community in Fitness Volt Newsletter. Get daily inspiration, expert-backed workouts, nutrition tips, the latest in strength sports, and the support you need to reach your goals. Subscribe for free!
Competitive Record:
- 2006 IFBB Austria Pro Grand Prix – 3rd
- 2006 Mr. Olympia – 8th
- 2002 Mr. Olympia – 8th
- 2002 Night of Champions XIV – 1st
- 2002 Toronto Pro Classic – 2nd
- 2001 Mr. Olympia – 14th
- 2000 MR OLYMPIA – 7th
- 2000 JOE WEIDER’S WORLD PRO CUP – 5th
- 2000 Grand Prix England – 5th
- 2000 Night of Champions – IFBB — 2nd
- 2000 Toronto Pro – IFBB — 1st
- 1999 Grand Prix England – IFBB — 7th
- 1999 Joe Weiders Pro World – IFBB — 7th
- 1999 Mr. Olympia – IFBB — 10th
- 1999 Night of Champions – IFBB — 4th
- 1995 NPC Jr. National Championships — 2nd Light-heavyweight
- 1994 NPC Jr. USA Championships — 3rd Light-heavyweight
- 1993 East Coast Championships — 1st Middleweight and Overall
- 1990 NPC Tournament of Champions — 3rd Heavyweight
- 1990 NPC Western Cup — Overall
- 1989 NPC Houston Bodybuilding Championships — Overall
- 1988 NPC Houston Bodybuilding Championships — 1st Middleweight and Overall