A BODYBUILDING champion has died after collapsing during the middle of an intense training session.
Juan Sebastian Angola Quintero was pronounced dead at the gym in the Colombian capital Bogota where he had been lifting weights with friends.
The tragedy happened at a gym called Smart Fit in a retail centre in the north-west part of Bogota called Suba.
Juan was training as normal when he suddenly passed out and hit the ground.
Several fellow gymgoers tried to help him by performing CPR along with staff but there was nothing they could do to save him.
Gym user Cristian Russinque revealed: “I was with Sebas that day taking turns to lift weights.
“They were very tough moments. Seeing what happened was very, very sad.”
Fitness trainer Humberto Perdomo, paid tribute to Juan, saying: “It was a pleasure knowing you.
“Now you are part of heaven’s elite.
“I’m sure you will continue to inspire, guide and accompany all those who loved you from there. Have a good journey, champion.”
Fellow pal Jorge Pinto added: “I’ve just found out about this sad news and it’s hit me like a brick.
“I’m always going to remember your kindness and positive energy helping others in the gym.”
Heartbroken friend, Andres Montoya, claimed afterwards his pal could have been saved if the right precautions were in place.
He said: “We cannot guarantee that he would have been saved, but there would have been a chance that the outcome could have been different.
“More than 25 minutes passed, half an hour, during which some people tried to resuscitate him, tried to get him out. Smart Fit said they couldn’t move him.”
He also said the gym had opened its doors the following day “as if nothing had happened.
Smart Fit Colombia, a chain of gyms which first opened in 2016, said in a statement following the post: “Mr. Juan Sebastian Anzola Quintero was training and suddenly suffered cardiorespiratory arrest.
“Our team of certified first responders responded immediately and proceeded to administer first aid as indicated by protocol for these cases, performing resuscitation manoeuvres and using an automated external defibrillator.
“Simultaneously, while first aid was being administered, we activated our emergency protocol, and the protected area of the headquarters responded to the call.
“Unfortunately, the person died before being transferred.
“Smart Fit Colombia deeply regrets the death of Mr Anzola and offers its sincere condolences to his family, loved ones and friends.”
Sebas described himself online as a digital creator as well as a bodybuilder, fitness coach and “classic physique champ.”
He regularly advertised supplements on his social media.
In an Instagram post where he showed off his body with two competition medals around his neck, he said: “It’s not about how hard you hit, it’s about how hard life hits you and you keep going, you keep moving forward, it’s about falling down and getting up a thousand times more.
“My dreams are just long-term goals.”
In another where he posed for a selfie flexing his biceps he wrote: “Nothing is left to chance for those who have a clear goal.
“Discipline is the gap between dreams and making them a reality. A few weeks after my debut, following many emotional, physical, and health ups and downs.
“In precise planning and execution lies a unique and detailed version.
“With the help of the best, with all the support and the best attitude, always looking ahead, I am a champion.”
