Gunter. Turns. 50

As Günter Schlierkamp turns the big 5-0 on Feb. 2, we celebrate the German giant’s milestone by revisiting his preparation for his lone IFBB Pro League win, still considered the greatest upset in the sport’s history.

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HE WON ONLY ONE PRO show, but what a show it was. In a career that spanned 13 years and 39 contests, Günter Schlierkamp made the top three only three times. It’s been close to two decades since he last competed, and he might have faded into history if not for the fact that his victory hit bodybuilding like a tornado. Somehow, someway, he conquered Ronnie Coleman in the middle of the king’s record run of eight Olympia wins. As Schlierkamp turns 50, we explain how Güntermania won’t be forgotten.

Born Feb. 2, 1970, Günter Schlierkamp grew up on a farm in Germany. When he was 12 and saw