Have we seen the last of “El Matador?” Although he is only 34 years of age, Silvio Samuel may have to hang up the posing trunks due to a recent hospitalization to treat what is being described as an “upper respiratory infection.” There have been much talk that Samuel’s ailments reach further than that and he has appeared unhealthy for some time now, with his issues possibly being heart related.
Samuel was set to compete in the upcoming Pro Bodybuilding Weekly Tampa Pro and has yet to qualify for this year’s Mr. Olympia, a show that he makes an annual appearance at.
Known for competing in multiple contests per year, Samuel may have burnt himself out in doing so. In 2007, Samuel was on stage eight times and won the Europa Super Show. The following year, he cut it down to five and did the same in 2009. Samule came out of the gate strong with an impressive win at the Iron Man Pro but finished out the calendar year by placing 11th at the O.
Perhaps all of the dieting, training and preparation needed at that level has taken its toll on Samuel. Putting your body through that once or twice a year is difficult enough, but more than doubling that can be downright hazardous. That appears to be the case here and Samuel is most likely done for the year and perhaps beyond that.