Urs Kalecinski had such a strong performance at the 2024 Classic Physique Olympia that notable bodybuilding veterans have started discussing his future in the Men’s Open class. In a recent Instagram post shared on October 15, 2024, Branch Warren and Dennis Wolf argue about how Urs Kalecinski would fare against the best in the world within the Open category.
After securing third place back to back in 2022 and 2023 at the Olympia, Kalecinski aimed to climb the ranks this year. With weeks of intense training and dieting behind him, ‘The Miracle Bear’ was confident he had what it took to finally dethrone Classic Physique Olympia champion, Chris Bumstead.
Branch Warren and Dennis Wolf Debate If Urs Kalecinski Can Find Success in Men’s Open Division
During the 2024 Mr. Olympia, it was clear that Urs Kalecinski was no stranger to the prestigious stage. However, he again finished in third place behind the now six-time Classic Physique Olympia champion Cbum and Mike Sommerfeld, who earned silver.
Despite not reaching his goal, Kalecinski’s performance has sparked debate about his future in the sport. Bodybuilding veterans Branch Warren and Dennis Wolf argued about how Urs Kalecinski would hold up against the best of the Open class.
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Warren felt strongly that Urs Kalecinski could immediately make the switch to the Men’s Open division and win a show to qualify for the Olympia next year.
“He’s hurting himself by trying to make weight to do Classic. If all he would do is take a year off and do open, honestly I don’t think he needs to take a year off. I think he could go right into Open and qualify for the Olympia. Win a show and qualify for the Olympia” Branch Warren stated.
However, Dennis Wolf believes that Kalecinski is too small to compete in the Open class.
“I don’t see it this way. He’s still too small for bodybuilding. The Open class yes [too small]” Wolf explained.
“I think for the top 10 Olympia, yes he could win” Warren argued.
Dennis Wolf points out that Urs Kalecinski doesn’t have the arms or back necessary to stand a chance against the top guys in the Men’s Open.
“No arms, no back, two very important things.”
Warren argues that his conditioning would make it possible for Kalecinski to place within the top 10 in the Open.
“What we’ve been talking about the whole day, conditioning.”
Wolf emphasizes that two of the most important elements for bodybuilding, the back and biceps, haven’t improved on Kalecinski as of late.
“But if you’re not improving, so like we see the Classic, you need a thicker back and bigger biceps, that’s where Urs is not improving in the last two years.”
Urs Kalecinski isn’t the only Classic Physique star who has been considered for the Men’s Open. Shawn Ray has urged Chris Bumstead in the past to make the move to the Open, stating that he is losing out on not only a big payday but also a chance to make history.
Bumstead hasn’t given any indication that he will move divisions after retiring from the sport with a sixth title. However, this now leaves room for Urs Kalecinski to make big moves. Whether that will be within the Classic Physique category or the Open, fans will just have to wait and see.
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