Tonya Knight, a famous bodybuilder, passed away on February 7 at the age of 56. She battled cancer for a long time before finally succumbing to the disease. Sharon Bruneau, former co-host of America’s Next Great Trainer, paid tribute to Knight on Facebook, saying that the fitness community has lost a wonderful young woman. She wrote, saying that Knight is an inspiration to thousands:
“I’m sorry we couldn’t make that shot.” Tonya, I appreciate all of your love and support over the years. Heaven has indeed acquired an incredible angel. I extend my deepest sympathies to her son Malachi, as well as to her family and friends. I adore my Iron Sister. “Fly high, Angel.”
Tonya is a legend in women’s bodybuilding, according to Dave Liberman, who once met her. He revealed that during the 1980s and 1990s, she was known by the nickname “Gold” in the American Gladiators series. Then he said:
“I was lucky enough to bump into her in 2016 at Olympia, where she looked young and amazing as she entered her 50s. Cancer has claimed yet another victim after a tough battle with her. this disease in the past few years. My sincerest condolences to Tonya’s friends and family as we all mourn the loss of an icon.”
Twitter users pay tribute
Tonya Knight has become a popular figure in the fitness industry over the years. As news of her death spread, Twitter was flooded with tributes:
Broken heart…#TonyaKnight She passed away today, I’m a huge fan, I met her in ’91. She is a professional bodybuilder and many people may remember her as #Yellow from #American Gladiator
This is a real mouth-watering #cancer pic.twitter.com/K6DVcnEVEY
— SavingtheRepublic ️🇺🇸🇮🇹 (@ BMartin1776) February 8, 2023
I am deeply saddened by the passing of IFBB Professional Bodybuilding Champion and famous American “Golden” Gladiator Tonya Knight. All my sympathies to her family and friends. pic.twitter.com/d48BPLANLn
– Jimmy Goodson (@JG41187) February 7, 2023
Tonya Knight has won several championships during her stellar career.
Tonya Knight, born March 24, 1966, showed an interest in volleyball during her school and college years and was a member of her school’s volleyball team. She was motivated to pursue a career in bodybuilding after seeing a magazine cover featuring Rachel McLish. She started exercising with her brother and joined a gym. First appearing on stage in 1983, she quickly rose to the top. After that, she moved to Venice, Italy and started participating in various bodybuilding competitions.
During her career, she has participated in various events, along with other prominent female bodybuilders such as Anja Schrenier and Cory Everson, who have won the Miss Universe award six times. Olympic. Tonya Knight was crowned Miss International in 1991, and despite competing in the same pageant again in 1992, she still placed sixth. In 1993, she finished third in the Jan Tana Classic. She won many competitions, including the IFBB Italian Grand Prix, before retiring in 1993. She appeared on American Gladiators, making her a household name on television. She left the show on the third season because of a knee problem.
Categories: Entertaintment
Source: HIS Education