Chinese bodybuilding champion dies at 30 (4 photos)

A champion who claimed to lead a monastic lifestyle has died at the age of 30. On Wednesday, the Anhui Provincial Bodybuilding Association announced the death of Wang Kun, one of the most famous figures in the sport in China. Heart problems were the cause of death.





A few days before his death, Kun was in excellent shape.

He became famous for radically changing his body and life by adhering to a "monastic lifestyle." His diet consisted of hot meat broth with soy sauce and the occasional boiled chicken breast.



He left a bright mark on the professional scene, winning eight consecutive titles at the Chinese Bodybuilding Association National Championships.

He planned to open a new gym in his hometown of Hefei, a large city northwest of Chao Lake in Anhui Province.

Wang hoped the project would be "a new starting point, a new world," as the New York Post wrote.





In 2025, several bodybuilders passed away. Among them was 20-year-old Jodie Vance, a participant in the Arnold Schwarzenegger Sports Festival. She suffered from severe dehydration before her death.

A month later, in April, Vittorio "Vito" Pirbazari passed away. Colombian bodybuilder Zunilda Hoyos Mendez followed in June, and Spaniard Lorena Blanco followed in July.

In August, 37-year-old Hayley McNeff died. An autopsy revealed that several drugs were found in her system: heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and other banned substances.



Ricardo "Cado" Nolasco dos Santos, who won 11 Brazilian championship titles, passed away in October. This happened just weeks after he proposed to his girlfriend. The 31-year-old athlete reportedly died of a stroke following the death of his beloved cat.