There are moments in sports when spectators hold their breaths in anticipation, hoping that their favorite competitor is okay. Professional sports players put their lives on the line to do what they love, while entertaining their fans at the same time. Seeing them stand up, and wave to the crowd, provides much relief to those watching that are watching in fear. Sometimes, things just don’t go that way. Family and friends of South African bodybuilder, Sifisio Lungelo Thabete, know this sad truth all too well. After an attempted backflip gone horribly wrong, fans are mourning the death of this loved bodybuilder.This 23-year-old South African bodybuilder was doing what many only dreamed of doing. After years of training, he had a very bright future ahead of him.
He had become the IFBB Junior World Champion in the up to 75kg category. He was only going up from there.
According to Muscle Evolution, a magazine dedicated to the bodybuilding community, Sifiso “impressed the crowd with his unbelievable muscle size and maturity beyond his age.” Spectators and judges were looking forward to seeing what this young bodybuilder was going to do in his career.
On Saturday, Sifiso attempted a backflip that went horribly wrong. In a video posted online, you can see the terrible tragedy that ended this athlete’s life way too soon.
He loved pumping the crowd up, and that’s obvious when you watch the video. He began getting the crowd excited by flexing his muscles for them.
Sifiso had a signature backflip he always liked to show off. This performance was no different, except that this time, it would end his life.
Apparently, he failed to get the proper momentum he needed in order to rotate. Sifiso then landed on the back of his head.
He rolled over onto his side, but laid completely motionless. Several people rushed over in an attempt to help him.
Sifiso landed on his head in the worst way possible. He had broken his neck.
In the world of bodybuilding, death doesn’t seem to strike very often. “The bodybuilding community was shocked and saddened by the tragic news of the death,” says Muscle Evolution.
“We suspect, because he was wearing socks this time, that he slipped or didn’t get enough momentum and landed horribly on his head,” said Executive President Wayne Price. He had done this particular move several times, so I’m sure he was confident in his ability to do it successfully.
Renzo Gracie, a member 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. He felt he needed to educate the community.
“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.
Even if you’ve done a backflip a thousand times, there’s always a chance something will go wrong. The message is clear: take every precaution while doing dangerous things with your body.
->**In this shocking video, the bodybuilder loses his life in a move that he’s done a countless number of times.**<-