A successful bodybuilder mom has died just two weeks after competing in the female division of Mr. Olympia.
Marianne von Gierke, 40, died on Wednesday, Chile’s bodybuilding federation announced, without revealing the cause of death. She leaves behind an 11-year-old son.
The pro bodybuilder’s death came just two weeks after she finished in 13th place in the Mr. Olympia women’s physique category. It was her second time in the top event, coming 16th in 2024.
Von Gierke, who turned pro in 2021 and also worked as a trainer, was active on social media in the days before her death, with her final post hours earlier congratulating a pal on her physique transformation.
She recently also thanked her boyfriend of 10 years, Juan Cofré García, for his support during a grueling season where she clinched 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 said alongside a loved-up photo of the couple.
She called him “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.”
Garcia responded that he was “extremely proud” of her accomplishments, promising she would “always have [his] 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 paid homage to von Gierke, who “left an unforgettable mark on bodybuilding” as well as a “legacy in her category.”
“Her effort, career and all that she achieved will remain in the memory of our sporting community,” they said.
