Roelly Winklaar

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.

(Bodybuilder)

Athlete Statistics

Full Name: Egberton Rulove ‘Roelly’ Winklaar
Weight	Height	Age	Date of Birth
297-320lbs(135-150kg)	5’6 (167.5 cm)	43 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.

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

2019 IFBB Arnold Classic Ohio – 5th

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

Reolly Winklaar — Photo via Instagram @roellywinklaar

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.