The bodybuilding world is grieving the loss of Mateusz Chmura, a 33-year-old Polish competitor. According to sources, he collapsed onstage during the Physical Culture Association British Finals in England on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
Chmura was competing in the classic bodybuilding medium division at the Telford International Centre when he experienced a medical emergency. The event came to an immediate halt as medical professionals in attendance rushed to assist.
A paramedic who had been watching the competition stepped forward to administer CPR while emergency services were summoned. The Midlands Air Ambulance also responded to the scene.
After receiving treatment at the venue, Chmura was transported to a nearby hospital. Despite the efforts of medical personnel, he passed away later that day. The tragedy occurred on what fellow competitors have identified as his birthday, and just one day before he would have turned 34.
The amateur bodybuilder had recently married, with fellow competitor Reza Eradi Bahrani noting that the wedding took place less than two months before Chmura’s passing. Bahrani had trained with Chmura at a gym less than 48 hours before his passing, practicing posing routines together.
“Life can be so cruel and unfair. I’m struggling to process how someone I was just talking to and training with is suddenly gone,” Bahrani said in response to the news.
The Physical Culture Association confirmed the tragedy in a statement released on October 19. The organization expressed condolences to Chmura’s wife, family, and friends, while requesting that the public respect their privacy during this difficult time. The PCA thanked the medical personnel, emergency responders, volunteers, competitors, and venue employees who assisted during the incident.
Following the medical emergency, organizers suspended the competition and consulted with the remaining athletes. The decision was made to resume the event before news of Chmura’s passing reached those at the venue.
As of now, no official cause has been established. No confirmed medical explanation for Chmura’s collapse has been released, and it would be premature to attribute the incident to any specific health condition or aspect of competitive preparation.
