Bodybuilding star Nikita Tkachuk dead at 35 after pumping body with muscle growth injections he came to bitterly regret
A FAMOUS Russian bodybuilder has died at 35 after pumping himself with 'muscle growth" shots led to organ failure.
Nikita Tkachuk's muscles ballooned to gross proportions under the chemical boosters - but a strict contract meant he wasn't allowed to stop.
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The bodybuilder was rushed to intensive care with lung and kidney failure, and was later put into a medically-induced coma after suffering a heart attack.
His wife Maria Tkachuk, 36, also a bodybuilder, broke the news: 'Nikita, my beloved husband, has died.
'His kidneys failed, [he suffered] pulmonary edema, and his heart gave out.
'There were many trials over the years. [His] resources ran out.
'There are no other words for now, only shock."
The muscle man won the title Master of Sports in Russia at just 21 with a 350kg deadlift, a 360 kg squat and a 210kg bench press.
But later in life he turned to synthol injections and signed a contract with a pharmaceutical company to advertise their products.
His muscles bulged to ludicrous sizes - but he was reportedly banned from stopping the injections under the terms of his contract.
Tkachuk's health deteriorated and got even worse after he caught coronavirus.
His lungs suffered from an 'autoimmune disease' and his legs swelled with calcium formations.
Bodybuilding legend 'Mr Japan' whose calves made Arnold Schwarzenegger jealous, dies aged 78
In an update, he posted: 'The same formations were found in the hip joint area.
'They did an MRI and realised that the blood vessels and kidneys were clogged with calcium.'
He was diagnosed with sarcoidosis - where tiny granules of solid immune cells form on various organs.
Tkachuk underwent multiple surgeries and tried to get back to training.
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But two years ago he admitted that he deeply regretted his synthol injections, and begged others not to follow his path.
He said in a video two years ago: 'I'd advise you to think again, weigh it all up, think about it.
'I just don't get it - well, if your arm is 18 inches or 20 inches, what will it change in your life? You're going to lose a lot of health. It's not worth it."
'If I could back to 2015-2016, I would not do it. I basically ruined my whole sporting career.
'If I hadn't done the injections and stayed in bodybuilding, I think I would be at a fairly high competitive level now.'
The Ukhta Power Sports Federatio, said following his death in St Petersburg: 'We express our sincere condolences to his family, friends, and wife Maria on the sudden death of our dear friend and talented athlete Nikita Tkachuk.
'For many years, Nikita achieved success in powerlifting, extreme strength, and bodybuilding, inspiring those around him with his determination and perseverance.
'Our thoughts are with you in this difficult hour.
'Nikita will forever remain in our memory as an outstanding athlete and a person with a big heart.'
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