The world’s “most monstrous bodybuilder” from Belarus, famed for his extreme physique, has died at the age of 36.
Illia ‘Golem’ Yefimchyk was known for his colossal diet, wolfing down seven meals a day and guzzling a staggering 16,500 calories including a feast of 108 pieces of sushi and munching through 2.5 kilograms of steak.
Dubbed the “340lbs beast” and also known as The Mutant, he stood at 6ft 1 inch with a chest measuring 61 inches and biceps bulging at 25 inches.
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His impressive feats included a 600-pound bench press, 700-pound deadlifts, and squats of the same weight. While he didn’t compete professionally, he became a legend on social media, amassing over 300,000 Instagram followers who admired him for pushing the limits of human strength.
(Image: social media/ East2west News)
Back in his school days in Belarus, he was a mere 70kg [154lbs] and reportedly couldn’t manage a single push-up.
He once said, “My transformation is a result of years of hard training and discipline, paired with an understanding of exercise physiology and nutrition,”.
“My mission is to instil a work ethic in people so they can overcome and surmount their fears while acting confidently towards the betterment of themselves and those around them.”
Tragically, he suffered a heart attack at his home on September 6.
His wife Anna desperately performed chest compressions as they awaited the ambulance.
(Image: social media/ East2west News)
He was airlifted to the hospital, but despite all efforts, he could not be saved.
“I prayed all this time, hoping that Illia would recover,” his grieving wife Anna shared with Belarusian news outlet Onliner.
“I spent every day by his side, hoping, and his heart started beating again for two days, but the doctor gave me the terrible news that his brain had died.”
She expressed her gratitude for people’s support: “I thank everyone for their condolences. It’s very heartwarming to realise that I am not left alone in this world, and so many people have offered me help and support.”
The well-known Russian newspaper Kommersant delivered the grim report: “On September 6, the athlete suffered a heart attack and fell into a coma.”
(Image: social media/ East2west News)
His death was made official on September 11.
Fueled by encouragement from a schoolteacher, he found inspiration in the muscular builds of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone.
He had aspired to bulk up to a staggering 380lbs before his untimely death.
Originating from Belarus, he then moved through a series of homes, taking him to the Czech Republic, USA, and finally Dubai.
Regrettably, he joins a list of young bodybuilders whose lives have similarly ended precociously, prompting further scrutiny over the inherent health hazards within the realm of competitive bodybuilding.
Among these are Brazil’s youthful 26 year old body architect Antonion Souza, and the UKs own Neil Currey, gone at just 34 years of age.
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