Russian 'gym monster' pays the price for 61 cm bicep injections

Kirill Tereshin, a former serviceman known for his 61 cm biceps, faces severe necrosis and infection, with a high risk of losing both arms.

Tereshin, dubbed the "Russian Popeye" or "gym monster", faces potential amputation of both arms after years of injecting synthol, a synthetic oil, into his biceps, according to NY Post. In a video shared by Tereshin, his biceps appear "burst", leaving a large hole with necrotic tissue.

Kirill Tereshin is known for arms likened to "Popeye the Sailor" or nicknamed "Bazooka arms". *SB Nation*

Medical experts state that time is running out to stabilize the former Russian serviceman's condition. He requires a series of skin grafts to save his arms, but the severe infection prevents the medical team from surgical intervention. Specialists warn Tereshin faces a high risk of losing both arms if his condition does not improve.

To save the 'gym monster's' arms, the hospital needs the simultaneous cooperation of vascular, plastic, and reconstructive surgeons. However, Tereshin's body is strongly rejecting the chemical substance, causing widespread fibrosis and tissue necrosis, preventing open wounds from healing naturally.

Tereshin began injecting synthol in 2017 to achieve his oversized 61 cm arms, quickly gaining global fame with the nickname "Bazooka arms". In 2019, he underwent major surgery to remove damaged muscle tissue. Given his current critical condition, Tereshin admits injecting chemicals into his body was "foolish". Doctors had also repeatedly warned him of the risk of death if the toxins were not completely removed from his body.

According to ABC News, synthol is a specific oil invented by German bodybuilder Chris Clark in the mid-1990s. Professional athletes initially used synthol to balance muscle size and shape, but many later abused it by injecting large amounts to create a false appearance of bulk. Doctor Mauro DiPasquale, President of the World Weightlifting Federation, explains that synthol functions as a type of implant, entirely different from steroids (hormones that actually increase muscle mass). This oil makes muscles appear massive but actually weakens mechanical strength.