Mikhail Volinkin Bodybuilder Then and Now

Mikhail Volinkin Then

Mikhail Volinkin, born on February 1, 1994, in Veliky Novgorod, Russia, faced a challenging start to life. 

At just four years old, his family moved to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, but left him behind, leading him to grow up in an orphanage. 

Despite these early hardships, Mikhail’s resilience and determination shone through from a young age. 

His time in the orphanage did not deter him from pursuing his passions; instead, it fueled his commitment to sports and physical activities.

From an early age, Mikhail immersed himself in a variety of disciplines, including taekwondo, kickboxing, and parkour. 

Each sport offered him a different set of skills and challenges, helping him build strength, discipline, and confidence. 

Taekwondo provided him with a foundation in martial arts, teaching him techniques and principles that would become integral to his approach to sports. 

Kickboxing, with its combination of striking and defensive skills, further honed his physical abilities and competitive spirit. 

Parkour, on the other hand, allowed him to express his agility and creativity, navigating obstacles with a unique fluidity.

These diverse experiences in sports not only shaped Mikhail’s physical capabilities but also instilled in him a deep sense of perseverance and self-reliance. 

His journey from an orphanage to becoming a dedicated athlete is a testament to his indomitable spirit and commitment to overcoming adversity through his love of sports.

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Mikhail Volinkin Career

Mikhail Volinkin embarked on his bodybuilding career in 2012, quickly establishing himself as a formidable competitor. 

His rise in the sport was marked by significant achievements early on. 

He clinched the title of National Champion of Uzbekistan in 2012 and 2013, demonstrating his dominance in the local bodybuilding scene. 

This success paved the way for his international debut, where he made a remarkable impact on the global stage.

In 2013, Volinkin achieved his first international success by winning the Asian Championships held in Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan. 

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This victory set the stage for his participation in the 6th WBPF World Championship, a prestigious event governed by the World Bodybuilding and Physique Federation (WBPF). 

Held at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, India, the championship featured over 300 contestants from 33 countries. 

Volinkin’s exceptional performance in the Men Junior +70 kg category earned him 1st place, making him the first bodybuilder from Uzbekistan to win a world championship title. 

This accomplishment was a testament to his dedication and skill in the sport.

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The following year, at the 7th WBPF World Championship in Bangkok, Thailand, Volinkin continued his impressive streak by once again securing 1st place. 

His success on the world stage solidified his reputation as a rising star in bodybuilding. 

The pinnacle of his amateur career came in 2018 at the Arnold Amateur Classic, where he won the overall Men’s Bodybuilding title. 

Competing against over 600 top amateur bodybuilders from around the world, Volinkin’s victory at the 12th Annual Arnold Amateur NPC International Championships in Columbus, Ohio, showcased his exceptional physique and competitive prowess.

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In 2018, Mikhail Volinkin’s achievements earned him professional status in bodybuilding. 

He became the first athlete from Central Asia to receive an IFBB pro card, a significant milestone in his career. 

At the age of 24, he made his pro debut at the IFBB Arnold Classic 2019, where he competed among the best bodybuilders in the world. 

His impressive physique and dedication to the sport garnered attention from fans and critics alike, marking a strong start to his professional career. 

In his second IFBB competition, the Monsterzym Pro 2019 held in Seoul, South Korea, Volinkin placed 7th in the Men’s Bodybuilding category. 

This placement, despite fierce competition, underscored his continued commitment to excelling in the sport and making his mark in the professional bodybuilding arena.

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Mikhail Volinkin Competition History

• 2012: National Champion of Uzbekistan
• 2013: National Champion of Uzbekistan
• 2013: Asian Championships, Alma-Ata, Kazakhstan – 1st place
• 2013: 6th WBPF World Championship, Mumbai, India – 1st place (Men Junior +70 kg category)
• 2014: 7th WBPF World Championship, Bangkok, Thailand – 1st place
• 2018: Arnold Amateur Classic, Columbus, Ohio, USA – Overall Men’s Bodybuilding title
• 2019: IFBB Arnold Classic, USA – Pro debut
• 2019: Monsterzym Pro, Seoul, South Korea – 7th place (Men’s Bodybuilding category)

Mikhail Volinkin Now

At 30 years old, Mikhail Volinkin stands as a pioneering figure in the world of bodybuilding, particularly within Uzbekistan. 

As the first Uzbekistani to achieve IFBB professional status, his career highlights include his outstanding victory at the Arnold Amateur Classic in 2018, where he claimed the overall title in the heavyweight category. 

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This achievement not only underscored his exceptional physique and dedication but also marked a significant milestone for bodybuilding in Central Asia.

Currently, Volinkin maintains a strong presence in the fitness community through his active social media engagement. 

On Instagram, where he has amassed a following of 402K, he regularly shares updates on his training regimen, workout videos, and fitness tips. 

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His posts offer an inside look into his daily routines and dedication to the sport, inspiring his followers with his commitment and expertise. 

Additionally, Volinkin runs a YouTube channel where he uploads detailed workout videos, further connecting with his audience and providing valuable content for bodybuilding enthusiasts.

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Through his social media platforms, Mikhail Volinkin continues to influence and motivate others in the fitness world. 

His dedication to sharing his journey and training insights reflects his passion for bodybuilding and his role as a leading figure in the sport. 

As he progresses in his professional career, his online presence helps him reach a global audience, inspiring many with his achievements and ongoing dedication to fitness.

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