A Majorcan bodybuilder who survived cancer and life-threatening peritonitis has died aged 50.
Tributes were being paid to Xisco Serra today as news of his premature death, attributed locally to natural causes after he suffered stomach problems, emerged.
The sports science graduate, who started lifting weights as a 16-year-old, started competing three decades ago and went on take part in around 90 contests.
His most notable wins on the international stage have included Mr World IBFA in Rome in 2011 and Mr Universe IBFA in the 40-plus category in 2014, the same year he was voted overall Musclebeach Champion after competing in Venice, California.
He was still competing last year when he was crowned champion of a competition held in Tenerife.
Xisco had his own gym in his native Majorcan town of Alcudia, called XS Fitness Center, and also advised hundreds of athletes online.
Xisco Serra (pictured) died after surviving cancer and peritonitis
Tributes were being paid to Xisco Serra today as news of his premature death, attributed locally to natural causes after he suffered stomach problems, emerged
He regularly showed off his rippling muscles on his Instagram page, where he exhibited photos and videos from the past of the competitions he had taken part in and his punishing workouts days before his death to his 27,500 followers.
He urged his fans in a recent social media post, showing him posing in a pair of skimpy black trunks: ‘Work your Dreams’ before adding: ‘This is a phrase that undoubtedly represents me since I can remember.’
Speaking about his nightmare skin cancer diagnosis in 2016 on an online biography, Xisco said: ‘After several months of tests, operations and medication that leave me far from the appearance of a bodybuilder, this is the biggest of my battles to win against this disease and although there are hard moments when you think about throwing in the towel, you want to be strong to overcome all the bumps not only physical, but especially mental.
‘But as I always like to say, EVERYTHING in life happens for a reason: it was necessary that an illness arose that made me focus on life and my future from a different perspective and, despite my insistence, part of the machinery failed and I had to prioritise my recovery.
‘I also had to find a trigger along the way that would make me focus on life and my future from a different perspective.’
He went on to become father to his first daughter, Maria, in August 2018 a year after his peritonitis drama, saying at the time it made it made him feel ‘the most lucky human being alive.’
One well-wisher wrote by way of tribute today after learning of his death: ‘RIP coach, may the good lord welcome you with open arms.’
Another said: ‘I can’t believe it, I really feel for your family and above all your daughter.
‘You were and always will be a role model Xisco.
‘Many thanks for everything you’ve done and rest in peace.’
Another posted an emotional letter to his daughter online, saying: ‘Dear Maria, in these these difficult times, I want to extend my deepest condolences for the loss of your beloved father, Xisco Serra.
He regularly showed off his rippling muscles on his Instagram page, where he exhibited photos and videos from the past of the competitions he had taken part in
One well-wisher wrote by way of tribute today after learning of his death: ‘RIP coach, may the good lord welcome you with open arms’
‘I know his departure leaves a huge void in your heart and in the world of world bodybuilding.
‘Your dad was a hero in the gym, but most of all, he was an amazing dad to you. I know it can be confusing and painful right now, but I want you to know that his love for you will never fade away. Every memory, every hug and every smile you shared will be with you forever.
‘When you read this, I want you to know you are surrounded by love and support. Although your dad is no longer physically here, his spirit lives on in you and everyone around you.
‘You are strong and brave, just like him, and we will always be here for you, to help and support you in everything you need.’
In April a Brazilian bodybuilder and fitness instructor died aged 29 after losing his battle against Covid.
Jonas Filho, known as Jonas Big, had left his 10,400 Instagram followers worried after publishing pictures of him on a respirator in hospital in the city of Fortaleza soon after he was admitted.
He wrote alongside the snaps: ‘Only God knows the pain and tears of the clown.’
In a previous post, referring to his humble upbringing in the north-east Brazilian state of Ceara, he wrote alongside a photo of him in the gym during a workout: ‘Whoever comes from a poor family has only one option and one chance.
‘The option to work to have the opportunity to turn the game around. And I don’t think about anything else.’
His most notable wins on the international stage have included Mr World IBFA in Rome in 2011 and Mr Universe IBFA in the 40-plus category in 2014
He was still competing last year when he was crowned champion of a competition held in Tenerife
He was posting on his social media channels days before his death
Days before his death it emerged a Portuguese bodybuilder had died aged 46 in Cologne in Germany.
Marco Luis, better-known by his nickname of Monster or Monstro in his native language, worked as an online coach and motivator.
His Canadian-born wife Mariza Luis confirmed the sad news, saying he was ‘in his ‘paradise’ doing what he loved.’
Marco Luis, who hailed from the volcanic island of Terceira in the Azores archipelago, had nearly 25,000 followers on Instagram alone as well as his own YouTube channel.
He called bodybuilding ‘his life and passion’ and had referred to himself online in the past as the ‘most shredded bodybuilder ever.’
