Alix Small, a British bodybuilder who overcame an eating disorder to win two IFBB Pro League Fitness titles, has died at the age of 26. Her death was announced on social media after her mother shared the news with a bodybuilding page.
Small, originally from Forfar, Scotland, had been open about her battle with anorexia, which began when she was 15. She went on to compete at the top of female bodybuilding at 19, winning the IFBB Pro League Fitness twice and reaching the Olympia stage.
Announcement and tributes
The circumstances of her death are not known at this time. In a post announcing her passing, Beyond The Stage wrote on Instagram: "Shocked to hear to the terrible news of the passing of 2 x Fitness Pro winner and Olympian @alixsmallll. I was passed this information by her best friend and mother earlier today. My thoughts are with her friends and family."
Tributes have flooded in for the "kind, funny and caring" star. IFBB pro Phoebe Goodwin wrote on Instagram: "I honestly don’t have the words. Alix, I still can’t quite believe you’re gone. You were such a funny, caring and thoughtful person, and I’ll always remember the kindness you showed me. I’ll never forget you being there for me when we got home after winning my IFBB Pro card. It’s a memory I’ll always hold close."
Friends remember Small
Goodwin added: "Life is so incredibly cruel sometimes. I wish we had more time and more memories to make. Sending so much love to your family. You’ll be missed more than you know. Rest peacefully, Alix."
Another friend wrote: "I’m so sorry Pheebs. Sending you so much love." A second said: "We lost an incredible person. I’m still at a loss for words. I’ll forever miss her." A third wrote: "This is very sad news. She was an incredible athlete. She shined on and off stage every time I saw and spoke with her. May she rest in peace."
Her battle with anorexia
In the months before her death, Small posted about how anorexia is "literally, factually, the most deadly mental illness". At the peak of her struggles with the disease when she was younger, she dropped 30 kg. She overcame the eating disorder and trained strenuously while eating a 6,000-calorie diet in her bid to build muscle.
