Australian bodybuilding champion Calum von Moger has spoken publicly about the personal struggles that led him to withdraw from social media and step away from public life earlier this year.
The multiple Mr Universe winner, who also portrayed a young Arnold Schwarzenegger in the film Bigger, described years of injuries, addiction, legal difficulties and grief in a candid video shared on YouTube.
Von Moger said he needed an extended “social media detox” to regain control of his health and focus on rebuilding his life away from the pressures of online attention.
The 36-year-old rose to international prominence during the 2010s, earning Mr Universe titles in 2014 and 2015 and developing a large global following through bodybuilding competitions, fitness videos and social media.
His muscular physique and resemblance to Schwarzenegger helped establish him as one of Australia’s best-known modern bodybuilders.
However, a series of serious injuries interrupted his progress and dramatically changed the direction of his career.
In 2017, von Moger suffered a torn bicep while attempting a heavy lifting exercise. The following year, he sustained a severe quadricep injury that required a lengthy period of rehabilitation.
He said the physical setbacks affected him emotionally because they damaged the career and competitive ambitions he had spent years building.
As his bodybuilding goals became increasingly difficult to achieve, von Moger said he struggled to accept the situation and entered a destructive period involving substance use.
He has previously spoken about using methamphetamine and cannabis, with his difficulties eventually contributing to several court appearances in 2022.
Looking back, von Moger described the experience as a “snowball effect”, with injuries, disappointment, addiction and personal problems gradually intensifying one another.
He admitted that he remained in denial about how far his life had moved away from the future he had imagined for himself.
The death of his younger brother Edward in 2023 caused further devastation.
Von Moger said losing his brother to suicide left him in a severe mental health crisis and deepened his dependence on drugs and alcohol as he attempted to escape the pain.
He explained that grief, unresolved trauma and the collapse of his professional ambitions combined to push him toward a breaking point.
The former champion said he eventually recognised that continuing on the same path could destroy his life.
Now living in Thailand, von Moger said he spent approximately six months away from social media while concentrating on his physical health, emotional wellbeing and recovery from addiction.
The break gave him time to reflect without constantly managing public expectations or comparing his current circumstances with the achievements of his earlier career.
He said he is now attempting to build a healthier and more stable life rather than focusing entirely on returning to his previous bodybuilding form.
Von Moger acknowledged that recovery is an ongoing process and said his priorities now include maintaining his wellbeing, staying active and setting achievable goals.
He also emphasised the importance of living in the present rather than becoming consumed by past failures or unrealistic expectations about the future.
Although his public image was once centred on strength, competition and physical appearance, von Moger said he now wants to speak more openly about vulnerability, mental health and addiction.
He hopes that sharing his experiences will encourage other people facing similar struggles to seek support and believe that change remains possible.
The bodybuilder said reaching a low point forced him to choose between continuing a destructive pattern and taking responsibility for rebuilding his life.
His return to public communication appears to mark a new stage in his journey, with a greater focus on recovery and helping others rather than professional competition alone.
Von Moger’s story highlights how serious injuries, career pressure, grief and substance dependence can affect even people who appear successful and physically strong.
By discussing those experiences publicly, he hopes to use his profile to promote honest conversations about addiction, resilience and mental wellbeing.
