Illia Golem Yefimchyk: Bodybuilder who ate 16,000 calories and seven times per day dies aged 36
Belarussian bodybuilder, who was described as the world’s “most monstrous bodybuilder”, has died at the age of 36.
Illia ‘Golem’ Yefimchyk was famed for his intense training regime, as well as his huge food haul when gaining weight. He would eat seven days per day, consuming 16,000 calories in just a 24 hours period.
He was known to fans of the sport as ‘The Mutant’ as well as the ‘340lbs Beast’. Golem stood at 6ft1in tall, with a 61in chest and 25in biceps.
Golem reportedly died from a sudden heart attack on September 6. His wife, Anna, is said to have started chest compressions while waiting for the ambulance, before he was airlifted to hospital.
Anna told Belrussian outlet Onliner: "I prayed all this time, hoping that Illia would recover. I spent every day by his side, hoping, and his heart started beating again for two days, but the doctor gave me the terrible news that his brain had died.”
She added: "I thank everyone for their condolences. It’s very heart-warming to realise that I am not left alone in this world, and so many people have offered me help and support."
Prior to his death, Yefimchyk, who documented part of his bodybuilding journey on social media, is said to have been aiming to reach his goal weight of 380lbs. His love of bodybuilding began in school, when he was encouraged by a teacher to take up the activity. He also noted Hollywood stars Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone as his heroes.