Bodybuilding in Telford: Athlete Dies After Collapsing on Stage

A 33-year-old athlete collapsed on stage at a bodybuilding competition in Telford, England, on Sunday, October 18, and later died in the hospital. The organizer, the British bodybuilding federation Physical Culture Association (PCA), announced this on Monday, October 19.

Mateusz C. was originally from Poland and lived in Wakefield in the northern English county of West Yorkshire. He competed in the Classic Bodybuilding Medium category at the PCA British Finals at the Telford International Centre. He died one day before his 34th birthday. An official cause of death has not yet been released.

Emergency crews and air ambulance respond

According to the PCA, the athlete collapsed during his routine. On-site paramedics, an ambulance crew and the air ambulance service Midlands Air Ambulance treated him in the hall. An ambulance then took him to the hospital, where he died despite all efforts.

The association thanked the emergency responders, the hospital staff and medically trained spectators who, it said, had spontaneously helped. It extended its condolences to the deceased's wife, family and friends. The PCA asked that the privacy of his relatives be respected.

Competition continued after pause

The event was halted during treatment. After the athlete had left the hall for the hospital, the competitors were consulted, the PCA said. Following that meeting, it was decided to continue the competition; at that point, news of the athlete's death was not yet known, it said.

The PCA published its statement on Instagram.

The incident was deeply distressing for everyone present, the association wrote. It offered conversations to those affected and pointed to the British charity Samaritans, which can be reached free of charge around the clock on 116 123. The PCA said it intends to publish further information once it is appropriate to do so.