Roelly “The Beast” Winklaar embodied freakish size in professional bodybuilding, peaking as a 300-pound mass monster. But a succession of injuries, health issues, and likely steroid abuse brought a dramatic descent. Now deep into a comeback attempt, his arduous multi-year path to regain lost muscle inspires athletes battling major fitness setbacks.
Rising to Beast-Mode Greatness
Winklaar first touched weights in 2006 at age 26, relatively late for pro bodybuilding. Yet gifted genetics for building hulking mass soon emerged. After early shows in 2009, he rocketed to 300+ pounds on his 6’1” frame.
By 2018, Winklaar claimed 3rd at Mr. Olympia behind only all-time greats. Despite flaws like a bulging midsection, his cartoonish arms and shoulders couldn’t be denied. He appeared destined for further glory.
Freaky Stats:
- 300lb+ contest weight
- 25+ inch biceps
- Vacuum pose 60-inch chest
- 600lb bench press
- 315lb EZ-bar curl
Winklaar’s sustained muscle gains earned repute among the most dedicated gym rats for extreme diet and chemistry. Consuming astounding 6,000+ calories per day to spur growth, he boasted he would “eat like a freak.”
Crashes from Extreme Peaks: Setbacks End Beast-Era
However, Winklaar’s chemically-enhanced mass almost certainly took its toll. Precise cause remains unclear, but by 2020 mounting injuries and health issues rendered serious training impossible. Without his extreme regimen, he rapidly shed decades of hard-earned gains.
By early 2021:
- Weight dropped 70+ pounds
- Lost 3+ inches of biceps measurement
- Bench press capacity cut by over 65%
- Body fat doubled to 10%+
Evidence suggests he suffered partially torn pecs, bicep tears, pulled quadriceps, and most impactfully shoulder issues preventing lifting. Whispers of circulatory damage from PED abuse also emerged.
For aging athletes, muscle loss quickens past 40 regardless. But Winklaar’s problems were clearly compounded by no longer able to follow the intensive stack of drugs, training volume, and outrageous diet that built him.
Psychologically, such rapid athletic declines also devastate elite competitors. Studies show significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, self-image issues, and chronic pain compared even other retirees.
“I lost almost all motivation for life when my body and identity crumbled so fast,” Winklaar conceded. “I was lost in deep, dark places.”
Searching within the Ashes: Comeback Drive Emerges
By early 2022, Winklaar had clearly hit rock bottom physically and mentally from his shocking descent. Photos showed a depressingly deflated shell outweighed by recreational gym goers.
Lacking financial assets as for many athletes, economic pressures probably loomed as well without bodybuilding income. Plenty of former champions face bankruptcy, legal troubles, and more when fame turns fleeting.
Yet seemingly from these ashes of collapse, the spark of comeback hope flickered. Winklaar began collaborating with Kuwait’s hardcore bodybuilding coaches to mathematically construct return plans.
Their guidance emphasized executing a sustainable progression for the long haul. With limits on enhancing drugs after his health battles, a wise gradual building approach presented his only possibility to again reach world-class shape.
Early photos revealed small but appreciable new muscle fibers popping through scar tissue and flab. The beast still lurked within.
Inspiring Rebuild One Rep at a Time
As documenting his methodical journey back, Winklaar already inspires many crushed after their fitness peaks crumbled. He displays essential comeback components applicable far beyond bodybuilding:
Positivity – Rather than wallow in pity or self-loathing over his
declines, he focuses daily on growth.
Patience – Accepting by-the-book gradual gains as now necessary while healing.
Support Community – Embracing assistance, wisdom, and motivation from those who believe in his revival.
Perspective – Understanding this comeback at 45 years old sets different standards than his former elite heights.
By mid-2022, his progress pictures revealed clear early fruits from this approach. Striations emerged across his chest indicating new muscularity. Shoulder caps and arms show increased vascularity and separation.
After standing barely 5’5” due to postural compression during his peak mass years, Winklaar even recovered roughly an inch of lost height as healthier structural alignment returns.
"The physical gains each week feel great. But the mental gains realizing I can still do this mean everything."
Realistically, returning to 300 pounds shredded seems highly improbable at his age. But steadfastness through more inevitable ups and downs along this journey continues lighting fire in fans and himself alike.
Shocking the World Again: Long Journey Ahead
Winklaar remains likely years away from even competing on bodybuilding stages again, much less reaching prior peaks in placings or physical stats. But as his mentor reminds him:
"A comeback has no deadline. Consistent progress each day already makes you a success."
Early momentum and inspiration aside, his advanced age guarantees a slow grind on this road. His prior mass required enhancement stacks most now consider medically ill-advised if not unethical.
Natural builders famously need up to five years to add 30 pounds of stage-ready muscle. And they begin in their 20s with healthy hormone levels, healable injuries, and no chemical damage.
Can Winklaar still shock his critics under such constraints? Only by embracing this vital mindset:
The day-to-day triumph regaining lost ground already makes him a winner in life’s eyes.
Appreciating each minor muscle striation and added rep as blessings rather than dwelling on past heights newly impossible gives him strength. By inspiring others decreed “washed up,” he builds motivation to push his renewed limits.
When few expect world-class comebacks beyond age 40, every new pound rides profound meaning. Winklaar proves greatness already in progress by refusing to waste himself away. Each gym session etches another line of his remarkable final comeback chapter.