A Polish amateur bodybuilder collapsed and died on stage during a competition in Telford, raising concerns about health risks in the sport. Mateusz Chmura, 33, was competing at the Physical Culture Association (PCA) British Finals at the Telford International Centre on Sunday, one day before what would have been his 34th birthday. Chmura, who was from Wakefield, had been married to Patrycja for two months and had only recently begun his bodybuilding career, securing second place in a PCA “first timers” event in Hull two weeks prior.

According to a statement from the PCA, Chmura collapsed while competing in the classic bodybuilding medium category. Immediate medical assistance was provided at the venue by paramedics, the local ambulance service, and a Midlands Air Ambulance team before he was transported to hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, Chmura later died. The event was paused as he received treatment, initially assisted by a medically trained spectator administering CPR, but resumed after consultation with other competitors. The PCA noted that the decision to continue was made before news of his passing was confirmed.

The PCA declined further comment on whether a defibrillator or dedicated medical support was present at the event, citing that the cause of death remains unknown. The organisation expressed deep sadness over the incident but did not elaborate on details.

Chmura’s death comes amid wider concerns about the prevalence of fatalities in bodybuilding linked to sudden cardiac death (SCD). Studies have shown that professional bodybuilders face significantly elevated risks of SCD compared to amateur athletes, with enlarged hearts and the strain from various substances contributing factors. A European Heart Journal study tracking over 20,000 male competitors in International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federation (IFBB) events from 2005 to 2020 recorded 121 deaths, with 38% attributed to sudden cardiac causes and an average age of 45 at death.

Experts highlight difficulties in collecting detailed data and definitively linking deaths to performance-enhancing drugs, some of which remain illegal to sell in the UK but are not illegal to possess. Dr. Luke Cox, a researcher in sport and exercise sciences, noted a pattern of deaths associated with bodybuilding involving multiple substances, including anabolic steroids, fat burners, estrogen-modulating drugs, and peptides intended to counteract side effects such as libido loss. Cox highlighted risks tied to the use of unregulated foreign peptides that may contain harmful contaminants and expressed concern over the influence of unqualified online coaches promoting high-risk drug combinations.

Cox co-founded SafePulse, an organisation aimed at providing education and support for those who use enhancement drugs. Another co-founder, sports scientist Imran Khan, who leads the safety committee for the recent Enhanced Games event, runs a clinic in Birmingham offering health screenings for steroid users. Khan pointed to a lack of regulation and education around performance-enhancing drug use, noting that in the past year his clinic referred over 100 clients for urgent medical care, with several requiring emergency surgery.

Public health research estimates that up to one million people in the UK use anabolic steroids and other image- and performance-enhancing drugs, with reports suggesting hundreds of thousands may face addiction. Access to such substances is often easy through gyms or online suppliers, according to trainers.

There is no evidence to date that Chmura used steroids or other substances to develop his physique. His widow Patrycja took to social media to disavow an unauthorised online fundraiser organised on their behalf, asking the public not to contribute. She expressed gratitude for messages of sympathy but stated she was dealing with profound personal loss and was unable to comment further.