How champion bodybuilder, 23, died after breaking own NECK after trying to do his signature backflip while showing off

A WORLD CHAMPION bodybuilder died after he broke his own neck while trying to perform his signature back flip. Sifiso Thabethe was only 23 and had a promising career as a strongman ahead of him when he tragically lost his life. Sifiso Thabete broke his neck after trying to perform the trick at a competition in South AfricaInstagram His horror stunt was captured on video as he leapt into the air in front of the crowds He then crashed back down onto the back of his head and neck Horrifying video showing the moment the South African star injured himself has resurfaced online after the tragedy in August 2017. It shows over-75kg world champion had been playing to the crowd before a contest in Umlazi, south of Durban. Dressed only in a black speedo and socks as he showed off his pumped up physique, he walked onto the mat. Gesturing the crowd as he raised his arms – he then launched himself into the air in a trick that would prove fatal. READ MORE ON BODYBUILDERS FIGHT FOR HIS LIFE Ex-Mr Universe in coma after ‘jump from second-floor window’ PARKING STANDOFF Shock vid shows bodybuilder being shot by neighbor in parking space row Sifiso fired himself straight up into the air with incredible height – and then moved to rotate his body in a spinning flip. But he was unable to flip over and instead crashed down to the mat on his head. He bounces and then lurches forward onto his side before going limp in the video – which is too distressing to show in full. Two trainers rushed to help him as he lay almost motionless on the mat in front of the horrified audience. Most read in News DOCK SHOCK Huge ‘fireball’ rips through £6M super yacht as ‘major incident’ declared MISSING GIRLS Cops launch 'urgent' search for two girls, 8, who vanished overnight SHOCK & AWE Russia fires 7,000mph Zircon hypersonic nuke missile in warning to West JEREMY CLARKSON Don’t like Ricky Gervais’ joke? Smile politely then just move on MURDER PROBE Boy, 15, found 'stabbed to death' as cops arrest lad, 16, and woman, 46 'RAPIST COP' Serving Met Policeman, 33, charged with raping woman on popular beach More medics then approach as the attempt to revive the injured bodybuilder – flexing his legs and checking his neck. Sifiso was rushed to hospital – but he was declared dead on arrival by doctors. It is believed his socks caused him to slip on the mat – meaning he couldn’t complete his signature trick. He had previously performed the trademark move just weeks before during his victorious performance at the junior under-23 IFBB Muscle Mulisha Grand Prix. Bodybuilding magazines at the time hailed him as a “young man with a bright future” as he was tipped for greatness. His sad story is often shared as a cautionary tale. And his Instagram page remains live, with many commenters continuing to pay tribute to him even five years on. Wayne Price told South Africa’s News24 that the flip was Sifiso’s “signature” move. He said: “We suspect, because he was wearing socks this time, that he slipped or didn’t get enough momentum and landed horribly on his head.”