Professional bodybuilder Marianne von Gierke has died aged 40, just two weeks after competing in the Mr. Olympia women's physique category. She passed away on Wednesday, October 14.
Competition and career highlights
Von Gierke placed 13th at the Mr. Olympia event in Chile. This marked her second time finishing at the top of the competition, having previously placed 16th in the category in 2024.
The athlete turned professional in 2021 and was active on social media as a personal trainer, sharing her own fitness transformation and encouraging others to take up bodybuilding.
Tributes and family
This summer, Von Gierke won the Women's Physique crown at the Rising Phoenix World Championships. The cause of her death is currently unknown.
The bodybuilder leaves behind an 11-year-old son and a long-term boyfriend. In a recent post, she thanked her boyfriend of 10 years during a difficult bodybuilding season, sharing a picture of the couple and a heartfelt message.
Von Gierke wrote: "He is with me 365 days a year, not only when things go well, but also through every difficult stage of a preparation."
Her mother added: "The one who lives with me through every process, my good days, my doubts, my frustrations and my goals. The one who holds from the shadows a fundamental part of all they see on stage. Thank you for believing in me, even when the road gets tough. To understand this passion, live it with me and vibrate with every challenge as if it were yours too. Thank you for walking by my side, sharing my dreams and being a fundamental part of every achievement. My season ends. Our path continues."
Partner's response and federation statement
Her partner responded to the tribute, saying he was "extremely proud" of her accomplishments. He stated: "I really take my hat off for you and you do not know how proud you make me feel with your achievements, many times I do not know how you do it to carry everything."
Chile's bodybuilding federation said Von Gierke left an "unforgettable mark on bodybuilding" and had created a "legacy in her category." The federation added: "Her effort, career and all that she achieved will remain in the memory of our sporting community."
