Body-builder breaks his neck after attempting back flip, dies

In a tragic accident, a South African bodybuilding champion died after doing his signature backflip during a competition at a community hall in Umlazi, south of Durban. He was 23

In a tragic accident, a South African bodybuilding champion died after doing his signature backflip during a competition at a community hall in Umlazi, south of Durban. He was 23.

In the video that is doing rounds, Sifiso Lungelo Thabete, former IFBB Junior World Champion in the up to 75kg category, walk towards the centre of the mat at a bodybuilding competition held on August 5.

Thabete then tries attempting the back-flip, loses his grip and falls to the ground breaking his neck. He stayed motionless on the ground as officials came to see him.

Body Building South Africa (BBSA) national executive president Wayne Price told News24, "We suspect, because he was wearing socks this time, that he slipped or didn't get enough momentum and landed horribly on his head."

The death of the young bodybuilder sent shockwaves across the internet with many offering condolences.

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