At just 21 years old, Jake Sendler was a young man with a clear vision for his future. Aiming for a career as a professional mixed martial arts (MMA) fighter, Jake dedicated countless hours to training in Melbourne, Australia. Despite his apparent health and fitness, a hidden condition led to his untimely death, prompting his mother to raise awareness among athletes about the potential dangers of extreme exercise.
Jake, who was already competing as a semi-professional, maintained a rigorous training schedule and adhered to a strict diet. However, unbeknownst to him, his intense workout routine was causing a serious condition known as rhabdomyolysis. This condition involves the breakdown of muscle tissue, releasing harmful substances into the bloodstream that can lead to organ failure.
The Silent Killer: Rhabdomyolysis
Rhabdomyolysis, often abbreviated as “rhabdo,” is a potentially fatal condition that results from severe muscle damage. As muscles break down, they release proteins like myoglobin into the blood, which can cause kidney failure and disrupt electrolyte balances, affecting the heart and other organs. This condition is particularly prevalent among individuals who engage in extreme physical activities, such as marathon runners and cross-fit enthusiasts.
Jake’s mother, Sharone Sendler, is now on a mission to educate others about this “silent killer.” She describes her son as someone who “radiated positive energy” and lived life to the fullest. “Ever since he was little, he was that cheeky boy who would climb trees,” she shared, emphasizing his passion and dedication to everything he pursued.
A Life of Passion and Dedication
While working toward his personal goals, Jake also dedicated his time to helping others. He studied health science and physical education at university, worked as a personal trainer, and coached children, teaching them the importance of physical activity. His dream was to become a physical education teacher and inspire youth through sport and fitness.
Despite feeling unwell in the weeks leading up to his final fight on March 2, Jake dismissed his symptoms as minor. He attributed his darkened urine to dehydration and his muscle soreness to his intense training regimen. However, after completing all three rounds of the fight, Jake’s condition deteriorated rapidly.
“Like the warrior that he is, he never gives up and he pushes himself,” Sharone recounted. Initially, those around him suspected dehydration or a concussion, but when Jake struggled to breathe, he was rushed to St Vincent’s Hospital.
The Final Battle
At the hospital, doctors diagnosed Jake with a severe case of rhabdomyolysis. By that time, his organs were already failing. “His muscles had already started releasing toxins into his body which were shutting down his organs, especially his kidneys,” Sharone explained. Despite the dire situation, Jake’s fighting spirit persisted. He underwent several surgeries, but a final operation proved too much, and he passed away ten days later, surrounded by family.
“Jake being the fighter that he is, we came to say goodbye but we also told him to hang in there and show them and fight and he just kept fighting and fighting,” Sharone said.
In a poignant moment before his passing, Sharone shared a heartfelt farewell with her son. “I came up to him and I said to him ‘I’m so proud of you my baby and you’ve been the best fighter and you fought so hard, I think it’s time for you to rest now. You don’t need to fight for me anymore, stay here anymore. You can rest now’,” she recalled.
Raising Awareness and Changing Culture
Sharone believes there needs to be a cultural shift among elite athletes, many of whom, including Jake’s trainers, are unaware of rhabdomyolysis. She stresses the importance of regular health checks and blood tests for athletes pushing their bodies to the limit. “It was just really unfortunate because everything that he worked for, he thought was perfect for you … how would you know that your muscles would poison you?” she questioned.
A GoFundMe campaign has been organized to support Jake’s family during this difficult time. Sharone hopes her son’s story will serve as a cautionary tale for others, encouraging them to prioritize their health and seek medical advice when necessary.
As the sporting community mourns the loss of a promising young athlete, Jake Sendler’s legacy may well be the increased awareness and prevention of a condition that lurks in the shadows of extreme physical exertion.
