Brief

Bodybuilding champion Marianne von Gierke dies two weeks after Mr Olympia

The Chilean federation announced the death of the 40‑year‑old pro, who had recently competed at Mr Olympia and thanked her boyfriend of ten years.

By Felo News Desk · Published Thu, 15 Oct 2026 23:50:22 GMT

Chile’s bodybuilding federation announced that 40‑year‑old professional bodybuilder Marianne von Gierke died on Wednesday, two weeks after competing in the women’s physique division of the Mr Olympia contest.

Von Gierke finished 13th in the 2026 Mr Olympia women’s physique category, her second appearance after placing 16th in 2024. She turned pro in 2021 and also worked as a trainer.

In the days before her death she posted on Instagram congratulating a friend on a physique transformation and, earlier, thanked her boyfriend of ten years, Juan Cofré García, for his support during a season that included winning the Rising Phoenix World Championship title.

García responded on social media, saying he was “extremely proud” of her achievements and would always support her. The federation paid tribute, saying von Gierke left “an unforgettable mark on bodybuilding” and a lasting legacy in her category. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Key facts

Marianne von Gierke died on 2026-10-15, two weeks after competing at Mr Olympia. (nypost.com)
She placed 13th in the women’s physique category at the 2026 Mr Olympia. (nypost.com)
Von Gierke turned professional in 2021 and also worked as a trainer. (nypost.com)
Her boyfriend Juan Cofré García posted a tribute on Instagram. (nypost.com)
Chile’s bodybuilding federation said the cause of death was not revealed. (nypost.com)