Top female bodybuilding champion dies just days before major competition

The bodybuilding industry have lost 'an angel in human form' in light of Cíntia Goldani's untimely passing.

Goldani was a professional bodybuilder and only took up the exclusive craft in 2021.

Within a year of taking up bodybuilding, Goldani found herself competing at national level - something that usually takes people a few years.

The 36-year-old's next competition (one of the biggest in Brazil) was coming up in a matter of days, but tragically Goldani has since died.

Brazilian bodybuilder Cíntia Goldani has died. (@cintiagoldanipro/Instagram)

Announcing the news of her death, Musclecontest International penned on its Instagram page yesterday (June 26): "With great pain and sadness, I hereby inform you of the passing of Professional Figure Athlete @cintiagoldanipro due to complications from pneumonia.

"Cíntia was an angel in the form of a human being. God needed reinforcement in heaven.

"She will never be forgotten by the MuscleContest family. Cíntia was the presenter of the Figure category on our channel @musclecontestfemme."

People have since taken to the comments section of the post to pay tribute to the late 36-year-old.

The late 36-year-old quickly became a household name in the bodybuilding industry. (@cintiagoldanipro/Instagram)

One said: "She was an amazing person! She left light everywhere she went. I will always remember her with that smile saying good morning on the network and motivating everyone to look for a better version of YOU."

"One of the most passionate athletes I've ever known. Go in peace," wrote a second.

Another heartbroken person penned: "Sport loses a super athlete and I lose a super friend. No words to describe the pain of this day. I can't believe it."

Dozens of others shared their condolences with Goldani's friends and family.

Tributes have been rolling in for Cintia. (@cintiagoldanipro/Instagram)

Sadly this isn't the first loss for the bodybuilding community in recent times. In June 2023, German influencer and bodybuilder Joesthetics died at the age of 30.

His girlfriend revealed that the fitness guru had died after suffering an aneurysm.

She wrote on social media at the time: "Yesterday [Joe] passed away by aneurysm...I was there with him in the room.. he put on the necklace in my neck that he made for me..then...we was just lay down cuddle..waiting the time to go meet Noel at the gym at 16.00. He was in my arms.. then this is just happening too fast.

"Three days ago he kept said that he [had] pain his neck .. we not really realize it… until it too late."

If you have experienced a bereavement and would like to speak with someone in confidence, contact Cruse Bereavement Care via their national helpline on 0808 808 1677.