Urs Kalecinksi believes he has what it takes to dethrone four-time Classic Physique Olympia champ Chris Bumstead in six weeks. In a recent Olympia TV interview, Urs Kalecinski discussed how the new height and weight restrictions will impact his look on the 2023 Olympia stage. He also opened up about his preparations and professional rivalry with “Cbum.”
“Honestly, I’m focusing 100% on the Olympia this year. Maybe, I’m going to do some stuff afterward but like I said before, step by step. And the next step is the big Olympia in six and a half weeks,” said Kalecinski. “Right now, I’m in the mindset that I’m going to win this shit this year. And nobody is going to stop me.”
The 2022 Olympia contest saw a crop of the world’s best Classic Physique stars battling it out for gold and a hefty cash prize last December. In the end, Canadian powerhouse Chris Bumstead reinstated himself as the Classic Physique Olympia king in Las Vegas, and he did so with a torn bicep. Ramon Rocha Queiroz concluded the show in second and “The Miracle Bear” took third.
Kalecinski entered Columbus, Ohio’s Arnold Classic in March. Trailing in second behind Queiroz in a close-fought battle, the 25-year-old has used the rebound to start preparing for his third-ever Mr. Olympia competition. Initially, Kaleinski was tasked with losing 26 pounds during this contest prep.
Fortunately for Kalecinski, the IFBB Pro League and Tyler Manion instituted a new height and weight cap for Classic Physique in August, which took effect immediately. In light of the division’s alterations, Kalecinski has revealed that he will have the opportunity to add “lean muscle tissue” and “quality mass’ to his frame ahead of 2023 Mr. Olympia.
Urs Kalecinski Brushes Off Open Ambitions Before 2023 Olympia, “I’m Full Into Classic, I Love Lines, I Love Structure”
According to Kalecinski, he was under his weight limit by four pounds at the recent Arnold Classic. He believes with the new weight and height parameters, he can add eight pounds of quality muscle to his physique for any contest.
“No, it’s funny because I joked with Marcus Ruhl actually, and the German crowd knows it… and he’s like pushing me and says, like ‘Oh, one day you’re going to go up there [in the Open].’ But for me, it’s one step in front of the other. The advice Flex gave me… I listened to him in Boston and also to Chris and to what they said because of course, they’re going to know what they’re talking about. That’s my goal you know.
Just one step in front of each other and then – I mean – the Classic weight limit is upped. For me, it’s two kilograms, four pounds, and I was four pounds under at this year’s Arnold. So I mean that’s eight more pounds of lean muscle tissue quality mass to put on this frame. And then, yeah. We can talk again. But right now, I’m full into Classic. I love lines. I love structure. I love the grainy look with good lines, perfect posing and that’s my idea of bodybuilding, late 80s, early 90s,” said Urs Kalecinski.
As for progress, Kalecinski underscored that his quality continues to improve, especially in his shoulders, arms, and back.
“Over the years, every season, I realize okay, I have the same body fat but my quality just is getting better and better. My legs they might have good quality since I started but especially in my shoulders, arms, my back, they improve every year and that’s so cool to see. Getting denser muscles, that’s amazing.”
“The Miracle Bear” Plans to ‘Represent All of Europe’ by Defeating Chris Bumstead at 2023 Olympia
Urs Kalecinski believes he has the potential to inspire all of Europe if he can upset Bumstead and take his throne in six weeks.
“Honestly, I want to not only win the Olympia title for Germany, I want to represent the whole of Europe with winning this title. I appreciate everybody who is on this journey with me together. We are creating something great.”
“Brazil or India, it’s just crazy to see how they treat the sport and also in America. I mean, I went there the first time, I went to an Uber, from the airport to my hotel room and he was like, ‘Wow, you’re a Professional bodybuilder, that’s amazing!’ It was just so cool. If you have that support, I mean… you should be very thankful. That’s why Brazil is always in my heart.”
“What I try [to do] is to bring the Olympia title home to Germany and create that kind of community in Europe because we don’t have an Olympia champ for a long time here in Europe or in Germany. Germany, we’ve never had one. That’s like my little oath and mission. I’m trying to create a great bodybuilding community here in Europe,” Urs Kalecinski stated.
When asked what pose he’d hit to defeat Chris Bumstead on the Olympia stage this year, Kalecinski was quick to answer:
“Front lat spread.”
Even though he has respect for Bumstead, Kalecinski finished his thought by emphasizing “everyone is beatable.”
“There is a difference between respect and… for me, he’s the enemy [Chris Bumstead] but it’s for 10-15 minutes on that stage. In my mind, when I’m going to my bunker, my dungeon gym where I’m training, then I have those thoughts in my head. But otherwise, I’m a very respectful guy.”
“He’s a great champ, but everyone is beatable, and we’re going to change it this year.”
While Kalecinski is focused on defeating the champion in less than two months, Bumstead is solely concentrated on self-improvement. With the sudden retirement of his brother-in-law Iain Valliere, some fans believe the champ is distracted heading into his fifth title defense. However, in an interview with his coach Hany Rambod, Bumstead confirmed he’s feeling great and motivated to collect another championship.
The recent changes to the height and weight limits for Classic Physique add more intrigue to the 2023 Olympia stage. Urs Kalecinski, however, has a clear goal: to compete for Germany and win the sport’s ultimate prize.
Watch the full video from the Olympia TV YouTube channel below:
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Published: 20 September, 2023 | 5:33 PM EDT
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