Of course, some will voice the argument that professional athletes are aware of the risks and the possibility of death or injury is part of the appeal of any sport, for the competitors and fans alike. In fact, it may be argued that the risk of injury or death exists with any activity. Bicycling is one of the most dangerous physical activities on record, and the greatest number of injuries among students related to sports doesn’t involve the athletes themselves, rather it involves the cheerleaders.6,7

    Given these examples, one might be led to believe that bodybuilding should be a much safer activity, as there’s no contact, the contestants are relatively stationary (making falls or collisions very unlikely) and the events take place inside, away from traffic or hazardous weather.
    Unfortunately, bodybuilding has become a dangerous and deadly sport.

A Risk-free Pursuit?
    Bodybuilders, recreational or competitive, don’t face 100 mph fastballs, concussive uppercuts or Brian Urlacher. The greatest threats to their health or well-being appear to be getting sprayed in the eyes with PAM while oiling up backstage or suffering a bruised ego if the audience is verbally abusive. Yet, several deaths have occurred globally among bodybuilders and many others have suffered injury or impairment.

    Has there been an epidemic of dropped dumbbells or a batch of peanutbutter-flavored, salmonella-laden whey protein crippling, and killing bodybuilders? Or perhaps a conspiracy theory involving health club owners who want to do away with bodybuilders, so they can save money by removing all the mirrors and 45-pound plates from their facilities? What accounts for these tragedies that are largely going unreported in the press?