Bodybuilder dies after collapsing in front of fans on stage during competition

A bodybuilding finalist died after falling on stage while competing in a contest last weekend.

Mateusz Chmura, 33, was rushed to hospital after collapsing during the Physical Culture Association (PCA) British Finals in Telford on Sunday.

The athlete, who was competing in the classic bodybuilding medium category, was initially treated by paramedics at the venue before being taken to hospital by air ambulance, where he was declared dead.

An investigation is underway to establish the exact cause of his death.

His wife Patrycja, posting on his Instagram account, warned well-wishers not to donate money to a fundraiser which appeared to have been set up in honour of the bodybuilder, telling followers the campaign was a scam.

Explaining that the fundraiser contained false information, she wrote: ‘I want to make it absolutely clear that I have nothing to do with this fundraiser.

‘I did not create it, I did not give my permission for it to be created, and I have not authorised anyone to collect money on behalf of me or my family.’

She added: ‘I would never want anyone to lose their hard-earned money because they are trying to help us during this difficult time.’

The PCA said it had taken the decision to halt the final following the incident, but resumed the event after consulting with other athletes.

It said in a statement: ‘Our heartfelt thanks go to the on-site medics, the trained medical professionals from the audience who stepped forward to assist, Midlands Air Ambulance and the hospital staff for everything they did for Mateusz.

‘To everyone else who helped in any way, thank you. Your efforts will not be forgotten.’

Mateusz’s last social media post shared a clip of the athlete from Wakefield showing off his physique.

However bodybuilding has faced questions over the safety of the sport at its toll on competitors.

A study published in the European Heart Journal by the University of Padova found at least 121 bodybuilding athletes had died at an average age of 44 between 2005 and 2020.

Cardiac death was the leading cause, with a total of 46 fatalities in the given period.

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