Günter Schlierkamp
Günter Schlierkamp is a bodybuilder from Germany. He was raised on his family’s farm, working hard by helping his father from an early age.
This upbringing made him tough, and he was ingrained with the necessary discipline to succeed in the fitness industry. Gunter’s also appeared in a movie in 2006. ‘Beerfest’.
This is his story:
Athlete Statistics
| Weight | 295 - 310lbs (133.8kg - 140.6kg) |
| Height | 6'1" (185.5cm) |
| Year of Birth | 1970 |
| Nationality | German |
| Profession | Professional Bodybuilder |
| Alias | The Gentle Giant |
| Era | 1990, 2000 |
Accomplishments
Competition History
1990-1993
- 1990 German Championships 1st, Junior Tall
- 1992 European Amateur Championships 1st, IFBB, HeavyWeight
- 1992 German Championships 1st, Heavyweight
- 1993 World Amateur Championships – IFBB 1st, HeavyWeight
1994
- 1994 Grand Prix England – IFBB 8th
- 1994 Grand Prix Germany – IFBB 8th
- 1994 Mr. Olympia – IFBB 19th
1995
- 1995 Canada Pro Cup – IFBB 2nd
- 1995 Grand Prix Ukraine – IFBB 10th
1996
- 1996 Arnold Classic – IFBB 11th
- 1996 Night of Champions – IFBB 11th
- 1996 San Jose Pro Invitational – IFBB 9th
1997
- 1997 Canada Pro Cup – IFBB 6th
- 1997 Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB Disqualified
- 1997 Night of Champions – IFBB 9th
- 1997 San Jose Pro Invitational – IFBB 11th
1998
- 1998 Grand Prix Finland – IFBB 6th
- 1998 Grand Prix Germany – IFBB 6th
- 1998 Night of Champions – IFBB 10th
- 1998 Mr. Olympia – IFBB 15th
- 1998 San Francisco Pro Invitational – IFBB 9th
- 1998 Toronto Pro Invitational – IFBB 6th
1999
- 1999 Arnold Classic – IFBB 9th
- 1999 Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB 5th
2000
- 2000 Ironman Pro Invitational – IFBB 4th
- 2000 Arnold Classic – IFBB 6th
- 2000 JOE WEIDER’S WORLD PRO CUP 6th
- 2000 Grand Prix England 4th
- 2000 Mr. Olympia 12th
2001
- 2001 Toronto Pro 6th
- 2001 Night of Champions XXIII 9th
- 2001 Mr. Olympia 15th
- 2001 British Grand Prix 10th
2002
- 2002 Mr. Olympia 5th
- 2002 GNC Show of Strength 1st
2003
- 2003 Mr. Olympia 5th
- 2003 English Grand Prix 3rd
- 2003 Holland Grand Prix 4th
- 2003 GNC Show of Strength 5th
2004
- 2004 Arnold Schwarzenegger Classic 4th
- 2004 Mr. Olympia 6th
2005-2006
- 2005 Mr. Olympia 4th
- 2006 Mr. Olympia 8th
Biography
Start of Fitness Journey
Born on 2nd February 1970, in Olfen, Nordrhein-Westfalen (Germany), Gunter was instilled with the value of hard work, being raised on his family’s farm; he helped with numerous physically demanding jobs, developing his strength from an early age.
From the age of 16, Gunter took a keen interest in bodybuilding, idolizing legends such as Arnold Schwarzenegger after watching “Conan the Barbarian” and “Pumping Iron”.
In 1986, the German first stepped into the gym, beginning his fitness journey.
First Competition
After spending his childhood helping his family on the farm, he’d naturally developed more muscle definition than others his age – he used this to his advantage, and began focusing on increasing his strength and size.
4 years of finding his feet in the weight lifting community, Gunter had began to build an impressive physique.
With his dream to become a professional bodybuilder, the youngster entered his first competition – the 1990 German Championships, in the Junior division.
Gunter impressed the judges and overshadowed his opponents, claiming the 1st place trophy in his debut. This gave him the motivation he needed to rise to the next level in his fitness journey.
Pro Card
Driven by his first victory, Gunter spent the next 2 years training rigorously to improve his package. In 1992, he entered his second show – the European Amateur Championships that year.
Gunter managed to replicate his success, adding another trophy to his collection. However, his biggest achievement to date, came a year later.
In 1993, Gunter stepped on stage at the World Amateur Championships; this was his first chance of turning professional in his career.
By winning this show, he’d not only beaten most of the promising talents around the world, but he’d earned his Pro Card – realizing his dream of becoming a professional bodybuilder.
Move to America
Over the next 4 years, he was crowned champion of 2 more shows, placing highly in 5 other contests. By the end of 1995, the German had become recognized as a growing talent in the industry.
In 1996, Gunter made the big decision to move to the USA, in order to further his career as a bodybuilder. That year, he appeared in competitions such as the IFBB Arnold Classic and IFBB Night of Champions.
Although he didn’t win, he managed to place 11th in a fiercely contested line-up, which included Kevin Levrone, Flex Wheeler, and Shawn Ray.
Retirement
Gunter entered a further 31 shows over the next 10 years. He placed highly in almost every competition, as well as achieving his career highlight – winning the 2002 GNC Show of Strength, beating the likes of Ronnie Coleman in the process.
However, he decided to retire after placing 8th in the 2006 Mr. Olympia competition.
Acting
After leaving his bodybuilding career behind, Gunter made his way into the film industry – the German starred in the film, ‘Beerfest’.
Training
In his prime, Gunter trained 5 times per week, allowing himself a rest midweek, and on Sundays. He worked out each muscle group indivudually, as he believed his body responded the best to this routine.
Workout Plan
Here’s Gunter’s training plan:
- Monday – Back
- Tuesday – Chest
- Wednesday – Legs
- Thursday – Rest
- Friday – Shoulder
- Saturday – Arms
- Sunday – Rest
Nutrition
Similarly to other bodybuilders, Gunter planned his meals around lean proteins, compkex carbs, vegetables, and fruit. To fuel his body and promote muscle growth, the German ate up to 5 meals per day.
Diet Plan
Gunter’s diet plan looks like this:
Meal 1 – 12 eggs whites, 4 yolks, 1 cup dry oatmeal, fruit
Meal 2 – 14oz of steak, 2 large potatoes, green vegetables
Meal 3 – 16oz of chicken breast, 3 cups brown rice, vegetables
Meal 4 – 14oz of lean fish, 2 large potatoes, green vegetables
Meal 5 – 90 grams of whey protein, sometimes cottage cheese
Idols and Influences
As a child, Gunter idolized Arnold Schwarzenegger; he was inspired to build a similar physique to the Austrian Oak after watching ‘Conan the Barbarian’ and ‘Pumping Iron’.
He also credits his family for teaching him the value of hard work – something that gave him the discipline needed to follow his tough lifestyle as a bodybuilder.
What we can learn from Gunter Schlierkamp
Gunter has taught us to follow our dreams, regardless of whether we’re always successful or not. He had a great start to his competitive career as a bodybuilder, but only won 2 shows over a period of 10 years as a pro.
You don’t have to be the best, as long as it’s your chasing your passion in life.
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View Comments
Günter,
You are an insperation to me to keep working hard. Ty for all of your hard work and perserverence. Would be great to be able to shake your hand.
-Jeff Nager-