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