Russian ‘Popeye’ who injected his biceps to grow freakishly big could now lose both arms to gruesome infection
A bodybuilder who injected petroleum jelly into his biceps to make them freakishly large — getting him nicknamed the “Russian Popeye” — may now lose both arms because of a severe infection, according to reports.
Kirill Tereshin, 29, has been told he may need a double amputation after years of injecting them with synthol, according to reports in his native Russia on Sunday.
The freakish-looking gymgoer shared stomach-churning footage of how his bicep had “burst,” leaving a large hole with rotting tissue underneath.
He now needs several skin-graft operations to save his arms, but can’t undergo surgery until the infection clears, according to doctors.
Time is likely running out for the former Russian soldier’s condition to be stabilized, medics said.
The operations would require a vascular surgeon, a plastic surgeon and a reconstructive surgeon.
Tereshin started injecting synthol into his arms in 2017, making headlines around the world after being compared to “Popeye” due to his 24-inch oversized biceps and their similarity to the iconic cartoon character.
But the synthol injections reportedly caused tissue fibrosis, followed by necrosis as his body rejected the chemical.
Read more on “Russian Popeye” Kiril Tereshin:
He had previous surgery to remove the damaged areas in 2019, but the infection is now so infected that the wounds cannot heal, according to Russian media.
The freakish-looking bodybuilder previously lamented his “stupidity” for injecting his biceps — and was warned that he might die if the toxic substance isn’t removed.
