Chilean IFBB Pro Women’s Physique competitor Marianne Von Gierke has died at age 40, less than three weeks after placing 13th at the 2026 Mr. Olympia.
The bodybuilding community is mourning the death of Marianne Von Gierke, a Chilean IFBB Pro League athlete who passed away at the age of 40. Her death was confirmed on Wednesday, October 14, just weeks after she competed at the 2026 Mr. Olympia in Las Vegas.
Von Gierke’s passing was announced by fellow Chilean bodybuilder Felipe Isaac Fierro in a joint social media statement with NPC Worldwide Chile. The news was also shared by RXMuscle, which paid tribute to the Women’s Physique competitor and her accomplishments in the sport.
Right now we do not know her official cause of death.
The news comes after one of the most successful seasons of Von Gierke’s bodybuilding career. In August, she captured the Women’s Physique championship at the 2026 Rising Phoenix Arizona Pro, earning her qualification for the Olympia. She went on to finish 13th in the division at the 2026 Olympia in September.
Bodybuilding Community Mourns Marianne Von Gierke
Von Gierke’s death has prompted an outpouring of condolences from the bodybuilding community, particularly in her home country of Chile.
NPC Worldwide Chile confirmed her passing in a statement recognizing her contributions to bodybuilding and the example she set for other athletes.
The organization expressed its condolences to her family and loved ones, emphasizing that her dedication, competitive career, and accomplishments would be remembered throughout the Chilean bodybuilding community.
Marianne Von Gierke’s Bodybuilding Career and Olympia Appearances
Von Gierke began competing in bodybuilding in 2014 before earning her IFBB Pro card in 2021. Originally from Chile’s Magallanes region, she became one of the country’s most accomplished female professional bodybuilders.
Her professional career included two major victories in Women’s Physique, along with appearances at bodybuilding’s most prestigious competition.
In 2024, Von Gierke won the Vancouver Island Pro in Canada, securing her first qualification for the Mr. Olympia. She subsequently finished 16th at the 2024 Women’s Physique Olympia.
After continuing to compete professionally, Von Gierke returned to the winner’s circle at the 2026 Rising Phoenix Arizona Pro on August 22.
She earned a perfect judging score of three to claim first place ahead of Winsome White and Sarah Crail, securing another opportunity to compete on the Olympia stage.
Her notable professional accomplishments included:
- 2024 Vancouver Island Pro: 1st place, Women’s Physique
- 2024 Mr. Olympia: 16th place, Women’s Physique
- 2026 Texas Pro: 6th place, Women’s Physique
- 2026 Rising Phoenix Arizona Pro: 1st place, Women’s Physique
- 2026 Mr. Olympia: 13th place, Women’s Physique
Her final Olympia appearance took place in late September 2026, making the news of her death particularly shocking for those who had recently watched her compete.
Remembering Marianne Von Gierke
Beyond her bodybuilding accomplishments, Von Gierke was also a lawyer and a respected figure in her home region of Magallanes, Chile.
Her success on the international bodybuilding stage represented a significant achievement for Chilean athletes, particularly in the Women’s Physique division.
She became a two-time Olympia competitor and continued to improve her standing in the sport throughout her professional career.
Von Gierke’s death at just 40 years old is a devastating loss for the bodybuilding community. With her most recent professional victory coming less than two months ago, she remained an active competitor at the highest level of the sport.
Generation Iron extends its condolences to Marianne Von Gierke’s family, friends, fellow competitors, and supporters during this difficult time.
Image embed via Instagram @mari.gierke.ifbbpro
