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Home » Strongman News » Strongman Oleksii Novikov's Near-Death Experience

Strongman Oleksii Novikov’s Near-Death Experience

A recent near-death health scare sidelined the Ukrainian strongman.

Written by Matt Magnante
Last updated on June 3rd, 2025

Oleksii Novikov won the 2020 World’s Strongest Man (WSM) at age 24 — the second youngest WSM champion in the contest’s history. The Ukrainian strongman won the 2022 Rogue Strongman Invitational, two World’s Ultimate Strongman titles, and two Giants Live wins. 

After scoring bronze medals at the 2022 and 2023 WSM, Novikov suffered a series of injuries that affected subsequent performances. In late May 2025, Novikov detailed his recent challenges, reflecting on injuries, recovery, and the psychological tolls of competing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxmAoiXHar8
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A Year of Trials

Novikov prepared for the 2025 Arnold Strongman Classic (ASC), noting impressive strength progress.

I pulled a personal record in deadlift without gear…I was already pulling 400 kilograms several times.

—Oleksii Novikov

However, disaster struck during a 400-kilogram timber carry. Novikov experienced a partial tear of the supinator arm muscle, making gripping and curling nearly impossible.

I couldn’t properly work with my biceps for the entire year.

—Oleksii Novikov

Supinator tears often involve extensive recovery, impacting long-term biomechanics.

Novikov’s Near-Death Experience 

During a competition in Las Vegas, dietary issues and medication caused Novikov to develop a gastric ulcer. Despite this, he broke a record before his ulcer caused internal bleeding, with a loss of roughly five liters of blood, and a hemoglobin level of 95 g/L, leading to anemia.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Oleksii Novikov (@novikov_strong_wsm)

Novikov believes that if not for urgent medical intervention, his diagnosis could have been fatal. 

Mental Struggles and Motivation

Still recovering, Novikov’s training remains limited. “It’s anemia. I get tired very easily,” he expressed. He’s fighting the subsequent psychological battle that has permeated.

It’s really hard to find the motivation now…the war really affects your head.

—Oleksii Novikov

Prolonged stress elevates cortisol, often causing chronic fatigue and mental disturbances. (1)(2)

Sabotage and Relief

Another harrowing incident was what Novikov implied was intentional sabotage by a chiropractor at the height of his success. 

A guy messed with my back so that I would injure myself under load… it felt intentional.

—Oleksii Novikov

Novikov eventually sought help from another doctor, who fixed his bad fortune.

In five days, the pain was gone completely… after that, I forgot about the issue altogether.

—Oleksii Novikov

The Road Ahead

Though Novikov’s competitive future is uncertain, his focus on content creation and mentorship remains. When he returns to competitive strongman, he vows to eclipse his 550-kilogram 18-inch deadlift world record from the 2025 World’s Ultimate Strongman. He wants to prove doubters wrong by pulling the record with a stiff bar. A flexible bar offers more leverage, since the weight isn’t felt instantly, like a stiff bar. 

I want to set a world record at the WSM. I want to settle it so no one says it was due to a flexible bar.

—Oleksii Novikov

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References 

  1. Dallman MF, Akana SF, Strack AM, Scribner KS, Pecoraro N, La Fleur SE, Houshyar H, Gomez F. Chronic stress-induced effects of corticosterone on brain: direct and indirect. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 2004 Jun;1018:141-50. doi: 10.1196/annals.1296.017. PMID: 15240363.
  2. Baschetti R. Chronic fatigue syndrome, exercise, cortisol and lymphadenopathy. J Intern Med. 2005 Sep;258(3):291-2. doi: 10.1111/j.1365-2796.2005.01526.x. PMID: 16115307.

Featuredi image: @novikov_strong_wsm on Instagram

About Matt Magnante

Matthew Magnante is a seasoned writer and content editor who has authored hundreds of articles in various categories including bodybuilding, strength sports, CrossFit, general health and fitness, and MMA. His childhood fascination with the 80s and 90s bodybuilding legends fueled his passion for living and breathing weight training, nutrition, and everything in between. Matt was involved in martial arts for most of his youth and is a huge UFC fan. Having beaten the worst of anxiety and chronic stress using natural techniques, he’s also learning just as much about the mind and loves to help others improve their well-being and overall health.

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