Bodybuilder Marianne von Gierke dies at 40

Marianne von Gierke, a 40-year-old Chilean professional bodybuilder, has died, according to a tribute posted by NPC Worldwide Chile on October 14. She placed 13th in the Women’s Physique contest at the 2026 Mr. Olympia, about two weeks before her death. The organization did not disclose a cause of death or say where or when she died. NPC Worldwide Chile honored von Gierke’s contribution to bodybuilding, describing her as an accomplished athlete whose dedication and influence would be remembered by the sporting community. The Felipe Fierro Classic, an NPC Chile bodybuilding event, also announced her death and offered condolences to her family, friends and others grieving her loss. Von Gierke’s 13th-place finish marked an improvement from her 16th-place result at the 2024 Mr. Olympia. In the 2026 season, she won the Rising Phoenix Pro title before competing at the Olympia. Reports also noted a sixth-place finish at the Texas Pro earlier in the season. The Olympia appearance followed a competitive year in which von Gierke reached the sport’s highest-profile stage and claimed the Rising Phoenix title. Her death was announced by bodybuilding organizations in Chile, but the supplied...