By Gary Chappell
AS dawn broke over the Telford International Centre, one car sat motionless and alone in the empty car park. It belonged to Mateusz Chmura, who travelled full of hope to compete at the PCA British Championships on Sunday, October 18 and never returned home.
Tributes and words of condolence poured in from the world of British bodybuilding for Chmura. Today, Monday, October 19, 2026, he would have celebrated his 34th birthday.
He had made his competitive debut only two weeks earlier, finishing second at the PCA First Timers in Yorkshire on October 4, 2026. Friends have spoken of his excitement about competing in the British Championships in the days before the show.
Chmura collapsed on stage during early comparisons while competing in the Classic Bodybuilding Medium class on Day 2 of the PCA British Championships. Members of the audience, who included a trained paramedic, two nurses, one doctor and an anaesthetist, plus the team from blood analysis company eVal, rushed to the stage and began performing CPR.
Spectators and competitors in the packed auditorium were quickly asked to leave, as calls for a defibrillator echoed around the arena.
Two ambulances, a first response vehicle and the air ambulance attended. FrontDouble understands his heart was restarted twice and he was breathing independently and stable when he was transferred to hospital.
Paramedics who arrived on scene later told those involved in the initial response that they gave Chmura the best possible chance of survival.
That he later died in hospital is a tragedy beyond words. A man who arrived at a British Championships full of hope and excitement.
What is important to remember is that no one knows the cause of his death.
Bodybuilding is an easy sport to criticise. And, inevitably, there will be speculation. But until a cause of death is established, that is all it will be.
Across a number of British bodybuilding federations there are more than 100 shows in a season. Even one death such as this is too many, but it is important to remember, amid the inevitable noise, that incidents such as this – a competitor collapsing on stage and later dying – are, in fact, rare.
FrontDouble spoke to a clearly shaken PCA chairman Ryan Alexander in the aftermath of the incident. He was very grateful to everyone involved and the speed with which they reacted. He was also extremely shocked when given news of Chmura's death. The news only reached him after the show had ended.
FrontDouble has since contacted the PCA for further comment and asked what measures the federation might be considering putting into place at future shows.
Earlier, the PCA issued a statement, saying: "It is with deep sadness that we share the news that Mateusz Chmura, 33, from Wakefield, has passed away.
"Mateusz was competing in the Classic Bodybuilding Medium category at the PCA British Finals at the Telford International Centre on Sunday 18 October.
"Our deepest condolences go to his wife, family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him.
"During his category, Mateusz collapsed on stage. He was treated at the venue by paramedics, the local ambulance crew and the Midlands Air Ambulance team, before being taken by ambulance to hospital.
"Sadly, despite everyone’s best efforts, he later passed away in hospital.
"The event was stopped while Mateusz was treated. Once he had left the venue for hospital, and before news of his death was known, we held a meeting with the athletes, and the decision to resume was taken following that meeting.
"Our heartfelt thanks go to the on-site medics, the trained medical professionals from the audience who stepped forward to assist, Midlands Air Ambulance and the hospital staff for everything they did for Mateusz.
"To everyone else who helped in any way, thank you. Your efforts will not be forgotten.
"We are also grateful to the staff at the Telford International Centre, our volunteers and the competitors for the way they supported one another.
"We ask that the privacy of his loved ones be respected at this very difficult time.
"What happened was deeply distressing for everyone in attendance, and it is completely normal to be struggling with it. Please do not carry this alone.
"Our team is here for anyone who needs to talk, and you can contact us at operations@pcaofficial.com.
Samaritans is also available free, 24 hours a day, on 116 123.
"We will share further information when it is appropriate to do so."
eVal also issued a statement, adding: "We would like to extend our deepest condolences to Mateusz Chmura’s family and loved ones following his passing yesterday.
"We would also like to thank everyone who joined in the efforts to revive Mateusz. We deeply wish those efforts could have led to a different outcome.
"Our thoughts are with his family, friends and everyone affected by this tragic loss."
FrontDouble understands the family now need some time to process what has happened and have time to grieve. FrontDouble respects those wishes. We will report further if reliable information about the cause of death becomes available.
If you or anyone you know has been affected by this tragedy, you are not alone. You can find a list of support helplines in the FrontDouble Directory.
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