Aziz ‘Zyzz’ Sergeyevich Shavershian, a charismatic amateur bodybuilder, captivated the online fitness community, inspiring thousands to pursue a path of physical transformation. Starting as a skinny teenager in 2007, Zyzz documented his journey to crafting an impressive physique by 2011. His impact on the fitness world was profound, but his life was tragically cut short at the age of 22.
The Passion for Bodybuilding
In an interview with Simplyshredded.com, Zyzz expressed how bodybuilding had evolved from a quest for admiration to an integral part of his life. The sensation of pushing limits during workouts had become an indispensable aspect of his identity: “I absolutely love it, the feeling of pushing out that last rep, and getting skin tearing pumps is something I don’t see myself without.”
A Heartbreaking Loss
Despite his passion, Zyzz met an untimely demise in August 2011, suffering a heart attack in a Bangkok sauna during a vacation. Rushed to a nearby hospital, efforts to resuscitate him were in vain. Autopsy results revealed an undiagnosed heart condition and cardiomegaly as the culprits behind the cardiac arrest. The Shavershian family, already acquainted with heart issues, received the devastating news three days after Zyzz’s passing.
Signs of a Tragedy Unnoticed
Months before his death, Zyzz exhibited signs of a heart attack, experiencing shortness of breath and bouts of high blood pressure. Sergei Shavershian, Zyzz’s father, reflected on the profound impact his son had on people’s lives: “He touched the hearts of so many people.”
Tributes poured in on social media, emphasizing the profound influence Zyzz had on his followers. His brother, Said Shavershian, shared a heart-wrenching post on Facebook, underlining the deep bond they shared.
Speculations on Steroid Use
Following Zyzz’s death, speculation arose regarding the potential role of steroid use in contributing to the tragedy. A spokesman for Sydney Hotshots, a male strip club where Zyzz worked, mentioned steroids but emphasized that Zyzz was a “lovely guy” aside from that aspect. Although Zyzz denied using steroids, references to ‘riding a bicycle’ in his videos sparked discussions about anabolic steroid use among bodybuilders.
The rising trend of steroid and growth hormone use in Sydney during 2011 raised eyebrows. Zyzz’s brother, Said, faced legal consequences related to anabolic steroids, leading to questions about the family’s connection to these substances. Despite Zyzz’s objections to being linked to the article covering his brother’s arrest, suspicions persisted.
Timely Warnings and Unheeded Advice
Reports surfaced about a New Zealand man, Tim Sharky, advising Zyzz to ‘slow down’ weeks before his death. Describing Thailand as a hub for cheap steroids, Sharky issued a cautionary message about the risks associated with the country’s accessibility to performance-enhancing substances.
Despite Zyzz’s persistent denials, some believed that his refusal to acknowledge potential steroid use might have played a role in his tragic end. The controversy surrounding Zyzz’s legacy persisted, with speculations about the impact of performance-enhancing substances on his health.
A Lasting Tribute
In November 2022, Said Shavershian, also known as Chestbrah, paid homage to his brother by performing Zyzz’s famous ‘muzz out’ dance on Flume’s cover for Like a Version. The tribute served as a poignant reminder of Zyzz’s enduring impact on the fitness community and the lasting controversy surrounding his life and untimely demise.
In conclusion, Zyzz’s story remains a complex narrative of passion, tragedy, and speculation. His influence on aspiring bodybuilders is undeniable, but the circumstances surrounding his death continue to spark debates about the role of steroids and the potential consequences of pursuing extreme physical transformations.
