I had a chance to sit down and talk to Sibil ... Roelly's trainer and friend. She is one of the most honest and straight forward people I have met. Here is some of the q and a from that conversation ...
1. When did Roelly get serious about bb and decide to try and become a pro?
6 years ago after a horrible car accident that almost cost him his life.
2. How long have you been working with him?
We've been working together for 2years. Roelly was looking for someone to take him that step further. He was curious about my techniques as a trainer and picked me. I will readily admit that I have played a major part in the improvements he has made. I have pushed him and made him see the potential he has. And not to worry about what other's say ... to train and become the best.
3. How long have you been training others?
30years ... sometimes it feels like just yesterday that I started and other times it feels like a lifetime
4. Is Roelly the first bodybuilder you've had under your training that has turned pro?
Yes and I am very proud that I have been given the chance to work with such and amazing bodybuilder and person
5. What makes you different from all the other trainers out there?
My honesty. I care about the people in my care. They are not just clients but they are my family. I also don't put too much stock on drugs to built or take the body further ... to me it's training ... training and more training. I care about their health and well being. I am outspoken. I have gotten into trouble... have been suspended from attending competitions worldwide because I stood up for my beliefs. And I will fight for my athletes.
6. If you could change one thing right now about Roelly what would it be?
His posing. He needs to pose better to show off his physique. I am looking for a ballet coach to teach him how to move better, pose better and make use of his muscles. I want his movements to flow. I would like for him to be able to pose like the guys from the 80/90's. Those guys knew how to make the muscular body look beautiful.
7. What is it you admire about Roelly and make you believe in him?
He's a man of his word. He has gotten offers to find another trainer, but he has told me from day one, that the only trainer he wants is me. He knows what it took to get this far, and sees no reason to make changes that could only do damage to his progress. He trusts in us. He has been told to succeed he needs a new and younger trainer. Roelly and I have been through many ups and downs ... we will continue doing this together and in the end I know he will become one of the best.
8. Is there one guy that Roelly would like to place ahead of?
Yes... he wants to beat Branch Warren onstage. Since he's been in bodybuilding, that is the one man he would like to be able to say he placed higher than.
9. What changes does he want to see as far as his physique goes?
He wants be able to have a back like Kai and a similar body to either Dex or Kevin Levrone. He favours that type of "classical" body ... not the big bulky bodies of today.
10. Is there anything in this sport that bothers Roelly?
The negative comments online ... he does get upset and even angry when he reads the comments people make. Especially the last one about him not having a back. He works so hard on his body, that when he reads those things, he feels like he failed. I tell him to put that in the back ... and use it to be better, improve on those things people are quick to judge him on. The harder he trains the better he will be in the end.
11. What is next in store for you and him?
The New York Pro show. Roelly feels that is the show he needs to show he deserves his Olympia qualification. He feels that people might think he got handed a gift and should have placed lower. He wants to prove to them they are wrong. So when we get back to Holland, we will work on improving his weak points. We want to show up with the best package and quiet those negative people.
Thank you Sibil for sharing with us and for allowing me to ask these questions.
Rhaine
(from MD!!)
