A Russian bodybuilder known as “Russian Popeye” has been warned he may lose both arms after years of injecting a petroleum-jelly-based substance into his biceps to make them appear massive. Medical experts say the ongoing damage caused by those injections has led to dangerous complications — raising the prospect of surgical amputation if the condition cannot be reversed.
The man, 29-year-old Kirill Tereshin, became famous several years ago for his unusually large arms, which he achieved not through traditional weight training but by repeatedly injecting a substance often referred to as synthol. The effect produced dramatic, cartoonish biceps that even earned him the nickname “Russian Popeye.” Over time, however, the injections reportedly led to severe health problems. According to recent reports he now suffers from serious infections and tissue damage — conditions that threaten the viability of his limbs.
Sources close to the case say doctors believe the structural damage to Tereshin’s arms may now be too extensive to repair. Surgeons have reportedly told him that the window for effective intervention may already have passed. The delay in treating the injuries is said to stem from the severity of the infection and the risk associated with operating on tissue that has been compromised for years.
Public reaction has been intense. Images circulating online show Tereshin’s arms in a visibly deteriorated state. Some followers have expressed disgust and horror, while others warn that his condition is a grim example of the dangers of body modification and unregulated cosmetic procedures. The story has resonated far beyond bodybuilding circles as a cautionary tale about the long-term risks associated with appearance-driven choices.