Friends and family are grieving the loss of a popular local fitness trainer who was killed in an unfortunate incident during a training session recently at a fitness center in Sanur.
Justyn Vicky, a trainer at The Paradise Bali, was a trainer and a well-known figure in Bali’s bodybuilding community. The 33-year-old man, originally from East Java, was allegedly performing a heavy-duty lift: 210 kilograms back squat with a spotter right behind him.
However, fate took a cruel twist, and the seemingly routine exercise took a tragic turn.
As captured in a circulating video on social media,Vicky can be seen struggling with the weight. The weight bar is then slipped forward while he was in a lower position, pressing against his neck. The immense force results in a severe neck injury.
The severity of the accident left the ill-fated man with a broken neck, with critical compression of vital nerves connecting to his heart and lungs. Despite immediate medical attention and an emergency operation at a nearby hospital, the valiant efforts to save his life proved futile.
Gede Sutarya, affectionately known as Kang Gede in the Tarung Derajat Bali community, shared fond memories of his close relationship with Vicky.
“I was given supplements by Mas Vicky. The last time we met was about two months ago, but we often communicated,” he told Bali Ekspress.
Kang Gede shed light on Vicky’s amiable and compassionate nature, describing him as a generous sharer of fitness wisdom, always willing to impart knowledge and experiences on physical well-being.
“Mas Vicky was a good person, polite, and sociable. He always shared knowledge about the gym. He also advised friends at the gym to be cautious and not exceed their capabilities during training. Only we ourselves can measure our own abilities. May Mas Vicky rest peacefully in the embrace of God and find a worthy place,” Kang Gede said in heartfelt words.
In the aftermath of the tragedy, condolences flooded in on Vicky’s personal Instagram account (@justynvickybali_island), pouring from the athletic community, friends, and trainees who had the privilege of learning from and alongside Justyn Vicky.
The profound loss of Vicky has left the fitness fraternity in disbelief, with many expressing their grief at the sudden departure of a beloved athlete and mentor. Prayers and well-wishes continue to pour in for the departed soul, hoping for Vicky to find eternal peace and serenity.
In a tribute to the loss of one of their staff members, Paradise Bali fondly remembered Vicky as “a beacon of inspiration, motivation, and unwavering support.”
“His infectious energy and genuine passion for helping others transform their lives touched us deeply. Through countless workouts, words of encouragement, and compassionate guidance, he became an irreplaceable part of our fitness journeys and our gym family,” they wrote in an Instagram post.
In light of the tragic accident, Vicky’s friend and colleague, I Made Gede Purnamayasa, shared tips on his Instagram on how to perform back squat safely.
