Bodybuilding Community Mourning Death Of Champ Sifiso Lungelo In “Freak Accident”

Still reeling from the sudden death of IFBB Western Province official and former Ladies Bikini competitor Michelle O’ Shea, who was killed in a tragic car accident last week, the bodybuilding community is now also mourning the death of Sifiso “Lungelo” Thabete, a bodybuilder from Umlazi in KwaZulu-Natal, who died after failing to land an impromptu backflip during a competition.

In an attempt to get the crowd pumped, Thabete flexed his muscles before he walked onto a mat. He then attempted the ill-advised backflip that resulted in him breaking his neck. Medics immediately rushed to the bodybuilder to render assistance. Thabete, an award winning athlete and current IFBB Junior World Champion, broke his neck in the freak accident and died Saturday as a result of his injuries.

Sifiso’s most recent victory was at the second edition of the IFBB Muscle Mulisha Grand Prix in the Bodybuilding under 23 over 75kg division where he impressed the crowd and the judges with unbelievable muscle size and maturity beyond his age. Described by many as a young man with a bright future Sifiso’s passing is a huge loss to the sport.

A memorial service for Michelle will be held on Thursday, 10 August at 14:00 at the St. Matthews Church Table View. We would like to express our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sifiso and Michelle. source

Our thought and prayers go out to the families and friends at this difficult time.