Lured to a mirrored pool he fell in love with himself and died unable to stop looking at his own reflection. In many ways the life of amateur bodybuilder Aziz Shavershian, better known by his online handle Zyzz, reflects the myth of Narcissus. Gaining an online following in 2010 for his modern take on aesthetic bodybuilding and his unique personality, he was seen as the next big thing in the bodybuilding community.
Zyzz’s Early Life
Zyzz was born on March 24th 1989 in Moscow, then in the Soviet Union, to Maiane Iboian, who works in Hospital Human Resources, and Sergei Shavershian, currently residing in Ukraine. Aziz was raised in Eastwood, New South Wales and attended Marist College High School where he was awarded the title of Dux of the school. The title of Dux is awarded to the highest ranking students in either academic or sporting achievements. Surprisingly he received it for academic prowess.
A self described “extreme ectomorph” Zyzz felt throughout his high school days that he was too thin. He hated going out with girls and feeling like he was the same size they were. He always held a passing interest in bodybuilding. It wasn’t until the summer after he completed his studies, when out clubbing that he noticed the different way that buff guys were treated by the people around them. Noting their “presence”, as he put it, and spurred on by the results his older brother, Said Shavershian, was getting at the gym Zyzz signed up and began pumping in earnest.
Who is Zyzz?
Initially working out exclusively to get girls it wasn’t long before the pursuit of physical perfection became an obsession. Four years of five day per week workouts added up and in February of 2010 he began posting to bodybuilding forums and 4chan’s /fit/ board. He quickly gained a following bringing the new Australian bodybuilding movement of “Aesthetics” to the fore. Famous for popularizing the term “You mirin”, meaning women are admiring his physique, his unique personality and ability to inspire others to follow in his footsteps brought him the fame he desired.
What Happened to Zyzz – 2025 Updates
On August 5, 2011, the world of fitness and bodybuilding was shocked by the news of Zyzz’s untimely demise. He was just 22 years old. Zyzz was on holiday in Pattaya, Thailand when he suffered from a sudden heart attack in a sauna. The immediate cause of death was reported as congenital heart disease.
His family later confirmed that undiagnosed heart conditions ran in the Shavershian family. His older brother Said Shavershian (known online as ‘Chestbrah’) later revealed that Zyzz had been aware of his heart condition for quite some time.
The sudden death of the fitness icon Zyzz sent shockwaves among his legion of fans and followers worldwide. His death sparked debates on the potential dangers associated with bodybuilding, particularly the use of anabolic steroids, which are known to have detrimental effects on cardiovascular health if misused.
While there were rumors that Zyzz’s intense bodybuilding lifestyle, which allegedly included steroid use, may have contributed to his early demise, these allegations were never confirmed.
Even after his death, Zyzz continues to inspire millions around the globe. His transformation story from a skinny teenager to a muscular icon is still talked about in fitness circles. His famous quote “We’re all gonna make it” remains an anthem for those striving to improve their physical fitness. Despite the tragic end, Zyzz’s legacy lives on in the fitness world as he continues to motivate individuals towards self-improvement and fitness.
