Mateusz Chmura has died at the age of 33 after collapsing on stage during the PCA British Finals in Telford, just one day before he would have turned 34. The bodybuilding competition was halted after the emergency, before later resuming following medical treatment and a meeting with the remaining athletes.
The Physical Culture Association said it was "with deep sadness" that it shared the news of Chmura's death, and sent condolences to "his wife, family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him." The incident took place on Sunday 18 October at the Telford International Centre during the Classic Bodybuilding Medium event.
A debut that ended in tragedy
Chmura's appearance in Telford came only two weeks after his bodybuilding debut on 4 October, when he came second in the PCA First Timers show in Yorkshire. What should have been another major step in a new competitive journey instead became the scene of a fatal collapse, turning the focus of the bodybuilding world to the danger of a live medical emergency on stage.
The timing made the loss even harder to absorb. On Monday 19 October, Chmura would have celebrated his 34th birthday, making the news feel especially raw for those closest to him and for the wider bodybuilding community watching the aftermath of the event.
His wife's warning after the death
Following his death, Patrycja Chmura used her late husband's Instagram page to warn people against an unauthorised online fundraiser. She said: "I want to make it clear that I have nothing to do with this fundraiser."
She added: "I did not create it, I did not give permission for it to be created, and I have not authorised anyone to collect money on behalf of me or my family." Patrycja Chmura also urged people not to donate, saying: "I beg you, please do not donate to this fundraiser."
Her message closed with an emotional plea: "I'm going through something incredibly painful and right now I simply do not have the words or the strength to say much more."
For those involved in the sport, the immediate concern now is not competition, but remembrance and respect. The events in Telford have left a contest overshadowed by loss, and a family dealing with grief while trying to protect Chmura's name in the days after his death.
