Greg Kovacs was a Canadian bodybuilder who was known for his massive size and strength. He was one of the largest pro bodybuilders in history, with an off-season weight of over 400 pounds and a contest weight of around 330 pounds. He had arms that measured 25 inches, a chest that spanned 70 inches, and legs that were 35 inches thick. He was also a successful businessman and a coach for other athletes. But how did this giant of bodybuilding die at such a young age? What was Greg Kovacs cause of death?
The Early Life and Career of Greg Kovacs
Greg Kovacs was born on December 16, 1968, in Niagara Falls, Ontario, Canada. He was interested in sports from a young age and played hockey and soccer before focusing on bodybuilding. He studied electrical engineering for one year in college, but dropped out to pursue his passion for the iron game.
He started competing in bodybuilding shows in the early 1990s and quickly made a name for himself with his impressive physique. He won the Canadian National Championships in 1996 and earned his IFBB Pro Card. He made his pro debut at the Night of Champions in 1997, where he placed 16th. He also appeared on the cover of Flex magazine that year, which boosted his popularity among fans and sponsors.
He competed in several other pro shows, such as the Ironman Pro Invitational, the Arnold Classic, and the Toronto Pro Invitational, but never cracked the top 10. His best placing was 13th at the Arnold Classic in 2004. He retired from competitive bodybuilding in 2005 and started his own business and coaching service.
The Health Problems and Legal Troubles of Greg Kovacs
Greg Kovacs was not only big, but also strong. He was reported to have bench pressed 700 pounds for reps, squatted 800 pounds for reps, and deadlifted 900 pounds for reps. However, his extreme size and strength came at a price. He suffered from various health issues, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, joint pain, sleep apnea, and heart problems.
He had to undergo mitral valve surgery in 2010 to fix a leaky heart valve that caused him to retain fluid and have difficulty breathing. He also had to take medication to control his blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
In addition to his health problems, he also faced legal troubles. In 2010, he was charged with extortion after he allegedly demanded money from a supplement store owner in Mississauga, Ontario. He was accused of threatening the owner with violence if he did not pay him $100,000. He pleaded not guilty to the charge and was released on bail.
The Death of Greg Kovacs
On November 22, 2013, Greg Kovacs died at his condo in Mississauga, Ontario. He was only 44 years old. The official cause of death was organ failure due to heart failure. He had suffered a heart attack two weeks before his death and had been hospitalized for treatment. However, his condition worsened and he passed away peacefully in his sleep.
He is survived by his parents and two sisters. He had no children. His death shocked and saddened the bodybuilding community, who remembered him as a gentle giant and a pioneer of mass monster bodybuilding.
Greg Kovacs cause of death was a tragic result of his extreme lifestyle and genetic predisposition for heart disease. He pushed his body beyond its limits and paid the ultimate price. His legacy lives on as one of the biggest and strongest bodybuilders ever to grace the stage.
