Aziz ‘Zyzz’ Sergeyevich Shavershian, a charismatic amateur bodybuilder, made an indelible impact on the online fitness community, leaving a lasting legacy that continues to inspire countless individuals on their journeys of physical transformation. Beginning as a slender teenager in 2007, Zyzz meticulously documented his progression, sculpting an awe-inspiring physique by 2011. Despite his profound impact on the fitness world, his life was tragically cut short at the tender age of 22.
The Passion for Bodybuilding
In a revealing interview with Simplyshredded.com, Zyzz shared how bodybuilding evolved from a pursuit of admiration to an integral component of his life. The euphoria of pushing his limits during workouts became an indispensable aspect of his identity, stating, “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 unwavering 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, attempts to resuscitate him proved futile. Autopsy results revealed an undiagnosed heart condition and cardiomegaly as the underlying causes of the cardiac arrest. The Shavershian family, already familiar with heart issues, received the devastating news three days after Zyzz’s passing.
Signs of a Tragedy Unnoticed
Months before his demise, Zyzz displayed signs of a heart attack, grappling with shortness of breath and episodes of high blood pressure. Sergei Shavershian, Zyzz’s father, reflected on the profound impact his son had on people’s lives, stating, “He touched the hearts of so many people.” Tributes flooded social media, underscoring the profound influence Zyzz had on his followers.
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. Despite Zyzz’s denial of steroid use, references to ‘riding a bicycle’ in his videos sparked discussions about anabolic steroid use among bodybuilders.
The increasing trend of steroid and growth hormone use in Sydney during 2011 raised eyebrows. Zyzz’s brother, Said, faced legal consequences related to anabolic steroids, prompting 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 is a tragic one, highlighting the delicate balance between passion for bodybuilding and the potential risks associated with it. His legacy continues to provoke discussions in the fitness world, serving as a cautionary tale about the importance of health and well-being in the pursuit of physical transformation.