Brazilian bodybuilder, Antônio Leso Brás de Souza, aged 26, tragically passed away from a heart attack on August 3, 2024. The incident occurred just moments after he had secured a top-three finish in his category at the Navega Open in Navegantes, Santa Catarina, Brazil. Despite immediate medical intervention, the attempts to resuscitate him proved futile.
De Souza’s enthusiasm for the competition was evident from a video he posted on Instagram prior to the event. In the video, he expressed his hope for a successful weigh-in and attributed his lean appearance to divine favor. His optimism and confidence were well-received by his 9,000-strong follower base on Instagram.
His wife, Yone Farias, confirmed his death on social media and expressed her enduring love for him. De Souza’s dedication to the sport was also acknowledged by his sister, Mary Braz, who stated, “His dream was to be recognized for doing what he loved and to be able to give our mother a better life.”
Reports suggest that De Souza had been experiencing chest pains prior to the competition. His wife revealed that he had been using diuretics to cut water weight, a common practice among bodybuilders. This, however, may have led to dehydration and precipitated the heart attack.
De Souza started his bodybuilding journey at 15 and had been competing professionally for five years. His professional achievements between 2020 to 2022 earned him several prestigious titles and established him as a respected figure in the bodybuilding community.
The organizers of the Navega Open expressed their condolences over the loss of a dedicated athlete. “Our condolences to the family and friends for this inestimable loss,” they said. De Souza’s body was returned to his hometown of Manaus for a funeral held on August 6, where family, friends, and fellow athletes gathered to honor his memory.
De Souza’s sudden death has sparked discussions around the potential health risks in competitive bodybuilding, particularly the use of diuretics and the intense physical demands of the sport. It serves as a reminder that athletes’ health needs to be closely monitored. His legacy will continue to inspire bodybuilders, underscoring the dedication and perseverance required in the sport.
Antônio Leso Brás de Souza will be remembered as a passionate athlete who dedicated his life to bodybuilding, leaving an indelible impact on the sport and those around him.
