Bodybuilder Snaps Neck and Dies After Missed Backflip Attempt During Competition

NTD Television
8/11/2017
Updated:
8/11/2017

 

A bodybuilder died on Aug. 5 after attempting a backflip at a competition in South Africa.

Twenty-three-year-old Sifiso Lungelo Thabethe landed on his head, breaking his neck, as he attempted the stunt in front of judges and the audience at a contest.

Coming out in tight black briefs and socks to match, Thabethe attempted to pump up the crowd with a lively entrance. He ran forward and sprung up into what appears to be a backward somersault, which he often used as a signature move, reported News 24. The flip, however, was off target, making it fatal. 

People at the competition tried to help him up, but he didn’t move.

“He was rushed to hospital where he died on arrival,” said police spokesperson Colonel Thembeka Mbhele via News 24.

International Federation of Bodybuilding South Africa’s National Executive President Wayne Price told News 24 that it may have been due to his socks.

“We suspect, because he was wearing socks this time, that he slipped or didn’t get enough momentum and landed horribly on his head,” he said. 

A graphic video of the incident is circulating on internet channels. Thabethe’s family prefers it not be shared. Price also thinks it is not appropriate. “We’re aware of a video of the incident circulating on social media, as is Sifiso’s family, and they’re understandably very upset about that,” said Price, via News 24.

Thabethe was an International Federation of Bodybuilding junior world champion in the up to 75 kilogram (165 pound) category. Muscle Evolution magazine honored his passing.

“Described by many as a young man with a bright future Sifiso’s passing is a huge loss to the sport,” states the magazine. Muscle Evolution said that at Thabethe’s last competition before the accident “he impressed the crowd and the judges with unbelievable muscle size and maturity beyond his age.”

Thabethe’s social media accounts are full of photos of his bodybuilding accomplishments. He depicts his journey through the sport of bodybuilding. He has many photos showing off his impressive form, as well as those of his well-built friends.

Renzo Gracie, of the famous Brazilian martial arts family that birthed the mixed martial arts movement, tweeted out the video of the deadly incident via his Twitter account accompanied with the caption.

“A little reminder... Your Brain has no muscles to protect it.. Keep your head safe all the time. Avoid getting hit on your thinking machine.” He tweeted out the message in both English and in his native Portuguese.

From NTD.tv