Roelly Winklaar is one of the most popular bodybuilders of all time. This is his background, life story, competition history, diet, training regimen, and more.
Roelly Winklaar
(Bodybuilder)
Athlete Statistics
| Full Name: Egberton Rulove ‘Roelly’ Winklaar | |||
| Weight | Height | Age | Date of Birth |
| 297-320lbs(135-150kg) | 5’6 (167.5 cm) | 47 years | June 22, 1977 |
| Nationality | Era | ||
| Dutch | 2000, 2010 | ||
Roelly Winklaar is known as one of the greatest bodybuilders of all time. Despite this association with greatness, things could have been much different.
Early Life
Winklaar hails from Curacao, a Dutch island owned by the Netherlands. His father passed away while he was young, from a motorcycle accident. Subsequently, his mother moved them to the Netherlands when he was 5.
He always had an interest in bodybuilding, even from an early age. However, Winklaar did not actively pursue it as a career at first, mostly enjoying some amateur showings in the Netherlands. Subsequently, he was successful in these tournaments.
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!
Despite this, it was not until he went through a tragic accident, that he would decide to go pro. In 2004, Roelly Winklaar was in a serious car accident, nearly losing his life. In the process of recovery, he had an epiphany, realizing he was wasting serious potential. Subsequently, at 27 years old, it was at this point that he decided to focus his energy completely on a career in fitness.
Winklaar took five years to build his body up to a level which able to earn him a pro card. He worked hard to build mass, while still keeping lean. Despite his hard work, it was clear he was lacking the subsequent knowledge needed, so he hired a coach.
Winklaar was recommended to work with Sybil, also known as “Grandma” in the bodybuilding world, for her elderly appearance. Under her regimen, his career took a quick and obvious turn. He started showing massive improvements in both his stage appearance and physique.
Roelly Winklaar – Pro Card
At 32 years of age, it was time for Winklaar to attempt to earn his pro card. He had been competing strongly as an amateur for years, and he brought those refined skills to the big stage. Winklaar competed at the 2009 NPC Arnold Amateur Championships, where he won and got his pro card.
Following this massive accomplishment, Winklaar experienced a boost in motivation. He took this jump start to show a big boom in growth. The next year, he would win his first pro trophy, at the IFBB New York Pro. This was impressive, considering he beat out more established veterans like Hidetada Yamagishi and Dennis Wolf. This solidified Winklaar as a force to be reckoned with.
Roelly Winklaar – Championships and Achievements
2009 (NPC)
- NPC Arnold Amateur Championships – 1st
2010
- Mr. Olympia – 14th
- New York Pro – 1st
- Australia Pro Grand Prix X – 3rd
- Arnold Classic – 7th
2011
- New York Pro – 9th
- FIBO Power Pro Germany – 3rd
- Mr. Europe Grand Prix – 2nd
- British Grand Prix – 2nd
- Arnold Classic – 8th
2012
- EZVLs Prague Pro Championships – 8th
- British Grand Prix – 6th
- Arnold Classic Europe – 3rd
- Sheru Classic – 4th
- Olympia Weekend – 12th
- Nordic Pro – 1st
- Dallas Europa Supershow – 4th
- PBW Tampa Pro – 4th
2013
- Arnold Classic Europe – 6th
- Olympia Weekend – 7th
- Wings of Strength Chicico Pro-AM Extravaganza – 1st
2014
- Wings of Strength Chicago Pro – 1st
- Olympia Weekend – 12th
- Arnold Classic Europe – 5th
- Dubai Pro – 3rd
- EVLS Prague Pro – 4th
- San Marino Pro – 4th
- Nordic Pro – 1st
2015
- Arnold Sports Festival – 6th
- Arnold Classic Australia – 6th
- Olympia Weekend – 7th
- Arnold Classic Europe – 5th
- EVLS Prague Pro – 6th
- Nordic Pro – 2nd
2016
- Mr. Olympia – 6th
2017
- 2017 IFBB EVLs Prague Pro – 1st
- 2017 IFBB Mr. Olympia – 6th
- 2017 IFBB Arnold Classic Europe – 4th
2018
- 2018 IFBB EVLs Prague Pro – 1st
- 2018 IFBB Mr. Olympia – 3rd
- 2018 IFBB Arnold Classic Australia – 1st
- 2018 IFBB Arnold Classic Ohio – 4th
2019
Roelly Winklaar – Training Regimen
Legs
- Stiff-Legged Deadlifts – 4 sets of 8 reps
- Lying Leg Curls – 4 sets of 8 reps
- Standing Leg Curls – 4 sets of 8 reps
- Barbell Squats – 4 sets of 8 reps
- Leg Extensions – 4 sets of 8 reps
- Hack Squats – 4 sets of 8 reps
- Seated Calf Raises – 4 sets of 8 reps
- Standing Calf Raises 4 sets of 8 reps
Abs
- Bench Crunches (with dumbbells) – 4 sets of 15 reps
- Machine Crunches – 4 sets of 15 reps
- Fitness Ball Crunches – 4 sets of 15 reps
Chest
- Decline Bench Press – 6 sets of 15,8, 12, 6, 10, 5 reps
- Dumbbell Flys – 6 sets of 15,8, 12, 6, 10, 5 reps
- Incline Dumbbell Press – 6 sets of 15,8, 12, 6, 10, 5 reps
- Machine Chest Press – 6 sets of 15,8, 12, 6, 10, 5 reps
- Machine Front Press – 6 sets of 15,8, 12, 6, 10, 5 reps
Back
- Pull-Ups – 6 sets of 15,8, 12, 6, 10, 5 reps
- Barbell Rows – 6 sets of 15, 8, 12, 6, 10, 5 reps
- Reverse Grip Pulldowns – 6 sets of 15, 8, 12, 6, 10, 5 reps
- Machine Rows – 6 sets of 15, 8, 12, 6, 10, 5 reps
- Bent-Over Laterals – 6 sets of 15, 8, 12, 6, 10, 5 reps
- Upright Row – 6 sets of 15, 8, 12, 6, 10, 5 reps
- Shrugs – 6 sets of 15, 8, 12, 6, 10, 5 reps
Shoulders
- Seated Dumbbell Presses – 4 sets of 15 reps
- Alternative Dumbbell Front Raises – 4 sets of 15 reps
- Seated Dumbbell Side Laterals – 4 sets of 15 reps
- Cable Rear Laterals – 4 sets of 15 reps
- EZ-Bar Upright Rows – 4 sets of 15 reps
Roelly Winklaar – Diet and Nutrition
This is Winklaar’s approximate daily diet.
- Breakfast – Protein shake, 75g oatmeal, and nuts
- First Snack – 10 egg whites, 2 potatoes, and broccoli
- Lunch – 300g fish, white rice, and green vegetables
- Second Snack – Meal Replacement shake
- Dinner – 200g chicken and green vegetables
- Final Snack – Protein shake, 75g oatmeal, and a banana
Additional Information
Roelly Winklaar has drawn inspiration from multiple sources throughout his bodybuilding career. However, he credits his trainer Sybil, for most of his success. Once he paired with her, his game was elevated to new heights. He started better grasping the concepts behind success in bodybuilding. She went on to guide him on proper training and dieting and put Winklaar on the path to greatness. Also, the late Mondher B has been given credit for introducing him to the true lifestyle of bodybuilding.
Once he started training more seriously in bodybuilding, he moved to the United States. Additionally, he was crowned the People’s Champ of the 2018 Mr. Olympia. This was the first year in which fans watching could vote on their favorites, and they chose Winklaar. This is especially awesome, considering he finished the official competition in just 3rd place. It seems he is beloved by fans everywhere.
Roelly WInklaar is a prime example of what can happen if you follow your dreams. He started off practicing bodybuilding as more of a hobby. Nevertheless, when he put his focus completely behind pursuing fitness, he quickly became one of the greats. His natural ability, mixed with the finely honed skills learned from Sybil, has made Winklaar a true legend among bodybuilders.
You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and
YouTube for even more content.Recent Highlights & News on Roelly Winklaar
- Roelly Winklaar Won’t Close Door On Competing Again, Offers Top 6 Open Picks for 2025 Arnold Classic
- Roelly Winklaar Still Looks Huge, Shows Off Massive Arms During Recent Workout
- Roelly Winklaar Rethinking Retirement: “I Never Thought I Would Have Ended It Like This”
- Roelly Winklaar Says Politics Affected His Placings ‘A Lot’ and ‘Stopped Sport’ Due to Shoulder Injury
- Roelly Winklaar Unsure of Bodybuilding Comeback After 5-Hr Left Shoulder Surgery: ‘We Will See’
How wide is Roelly’s back?
Pretty darn wide!