It seems that 2022 has been marked with too many deaths in the sport of bodybuilding. The community has lost numerous sports legends and incredible athletes since the beginning of the year. Unfortunately it is Paul Poloczek, who died at the age of 37 this time. Paul’s cause of death is not known at this time. Paul leaves a young daughter and a wife behind him.
Paul was an IFBB Pro from Poland and news of his death came from his wife, Katherin DeNev. He shared the news on his Instagram, along with a heartbreaking caption. Just a few hours before his sudden death, Paul Poloczek was seen at the NPC World Championships in Baden-Württemberg.
BODYBUILDING WAS YOUR LIFE. WE WILL NOT FORGET YOU, YOU LIVE IN OUR HEARTS. WE WILL LOVE YOU FOREVER.
Related: Bodybuilder Cedric McMillan dies at 44
Life and career of Paul Poloczek
Paul Poloczek is a Polish bodybuilder who moved to Germany at the age of four. Soccer was Paul’s first love for athletics and sports. This led him to discover his passion for weightlifting, and he became interested in bodybuilding at the age of 16. Poloczek joined the renowned Powerhouse Gym franchise in Oehringen, Germany, in 2002. He would later become the owner of that same gym.
Paul Poloczek won his first bodybuilding competition at the Junior Championships at the age of 17.
In later years, Poloczek managed to earn an impressive 2nd place finish at the German Championships in the 2012 Super Heavyweight division. This jump started his career, as he continued to improve in subsequent years. He participated in some more competitions and received his professional card in 2017 after winning the Arnold Classic Amateur tournament in Ohio. His next competition was the New York Pro and Arnold Classic in 2018.
Polczek took a break from bodybuilding for a while and returned to the IFBB Europa Pro in 2021 and finished 16th. He hoped to return to the sport much sooner, but the Covid-19 complicated everything, which also delayed his competition.
- 2014 Arnold Amateur – Men’s Super Heavyweight (2nd Place)
- 2017 Arnold Amateur – Men’s Super Heavyweight (1st Place)
- 2018 IFBB New York Pro – Men (16th place)
- 2021 IFBB Europa Pro Championships — Men’s Open (16th place)
Related: 21 bodybuilders who died of a heart attack
The exact cause of Paul Poloczek’s death is unknown, but deaths in the bodybuilding community have been on the rise of late. Bodybuilding can definitely affect an athlete’s quality of life if he makes a few mistakes. Substance abuse and avoiding regular check-ups with the doctor seem to be the most common mistakes.
Paul Poloczek, however, will be greatly missed and the Volt Fitness team offers its deepest condolences to Poloczek’s family and friends.
