A top bodybuilder tragically died after throwing away his promising career for injections he would later regret – Russian Nikita Tkachuck passed away aged just 35
A Russian bodybuilder has died after undergoing years of “muscle growth injections”. Nikita Tkachuk, 35, passed away after he was rushed to intensive care suffering from lung and kidney failure, which led to a heart attack.
He died after being placed in a medically induced coma and his wife Maria, who is also a bodybuilder, announced his death. “His kidneys failed,” the 36-year-old widow revealed. “[He suffered] pulmonary edema, and his heart gave out. There were many trials over the years. [His] resources ran out. There are no other words for now, only shock.” Aged just 21, Nikita achieved the title Master of Sports in Russia with a deadlift of 350 kg, a 360 kg squat and a 210kg bench press. But his career would take a dark turn.
Nikita signed a contract with a pharmaceutical company to advertise their products and began taking synthol injections. Reports say that as his muscles bulged, Nikita was not able to stop taking the injections under the terms of his contract.
His health got worse and this was not helped by when he caught Covid-19. His lungs suffered from an “autoimmune disease” and his legs swelled with calcium formations.
“Then the same formations were found in the hip joint area,” he posted. “They did an MRI and realised that the blood vessels and kidneys were clogged with calcium.”
He was diagnosed with sarcoidosis, a complex, multisystem inflammatory disease characterised by formation of granulomas – tiny clumps of immune cells – in various organs. He underwent multiple surgeries and sought to get back to training. But two years ago he admitted that he deeply regretted his synthol injections, urging others against this path.
“I’d advise you to think again, weigh it all up, think about it,” he said. “I just don’t get it – well, if your arm is 47 centimetres [18 inches] or 52 centimetres [20 inches], what will it change in your life? But you’re going to lose a lot of health.
“It’s not worth it. If we go back to 2015-2016, I would not only not do it. I basically ruined my whole sporting career. If I hadn’t done the injections and stayed in bodybuilding, I think I would be at a fairly high competitive level now.”
Ukhta Power Sports Federation, in Russia’s Komi republic, said after his death in St Petersburg: “We express our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and wife Maria on the sudden death of our dear friend and talented athlete Nikita Tkachuk. For many years, Nikita achieved success in powerlifting, extreme strength, and bodybuilding, inspiring those around him with his determination and perseverance.
“Our thoughts are with you in this difficult hour. Nikita will forever remain in our memory as an outstanding athlete and a person with a big heart.”