Bodybuilder Marianne von Gierke Dies Weeks After Mr. Olympia Competition
The 40-year-old professional bodybuilder and mother passed away on Wednesday, with her cause of death not immediately revealed.
Professional bodybuilder Marianne von Gierke, 40, died on Wednesday, just two weeks after competing in the Mr. Olympia competition. Chile's bodybuilding federation announced her death but did not disclose the cause.
Von Gierke placed 13th in the women's physique category at this year's Mr. Olympia, marking her second appearance at the event, having finished 16th in 2024. She turned professional in 2021 and also worked as a trainer.
In the days leading up to her death, von Gierke was active on social media. Her final post, shared hours before her passing, congratulated a friend on a physique transformation. She also recently expressed gratitude to her boyfriend of 10 years, Juan Cofré García, for his support throughout a challenging season that included winning the Rising Phoenix World Championship title.
"He is with me 365 days a year, not only when things go well, but also through every difficult stage of a preparation," she wrote in a post alongside a photo of the couple. She described him as "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."
She added, "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."
García responded with a message expressing his pride in her achievements, promising his continued support. "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," he said.
Chile's bodybuilding federation commemorated von Gierke, stating she "left an unforgettable mark on bodybuilding" and a "legacy in her category." The federation added that "Her effort, career and all that she achieved will remain in the memory of our sporting community."
Von Gierke is survived by her 11-year-old son.