Women’s bodybuilding trailblazer Lisa Lyon is in critical condition from her unrelenting battle with pancreatic cancer, according to sources from TMZ.
During the 1970s, Lisa Lyon was known for maintaining an extraordinary level of fitness, having managed to build a muscular physique while still preserving her femininity. In 1979, Lyon claimed victory at the very first IFBB Women’s World Pro Bodybuilding Championships in Los Angeles, California. While her tenure in the sport was brief, Lyon made a huge impact anytime she graced a stage.
Sending thoughts and prayers to Lisa Lyon, a true pioneer in women's bodybuilding, as she battles cancer. 🙏 #LisaLyon pic.twitter.com/7o0aObgzWH
— matinee times (@matineetimes) September 3, 2023
From there, Lisa went on to promote women’s bodybuilding in magazines and TV shows. Lyon also drafted a book on growing women’s bodybuilding called “Lisa Lyon’s Body Magic,’ which would ultimately get published in 1981. She was inducted into the IFBB Hall of Fame in 2000 for elevating the sport’s notoriety. Though, perhaps Lisa’s biggest claim to fame was her provocative photographs with Playboy (she appeared in the 1980 issue).
Honoring Women’s Bodybuilding Pioneer Lisa Lyon’s Career as She Fights Cancer
Details surrounding her health are limited at the time of this writing, however, Lisa Lyon was transferred to hospice care in LA’s San Fernando Valley.
https://twitter.com/Sorrymissjacks7/status/1698034286354677857
As a model, Lisa had the pleasure of working with a number of prolific photographers such as Helmut Newton, Joel-Peter Witkin, and Robert Mapplethorpe, who later became her boyfriend. With respect to her acting career, Lyon made a few appearances, which saw her take on roles in Three Crowns of the Sailor (1983), Getting Physical (1984), and Vamp (1986).
Her work has inspired and moved countless fans, including former seven-time Mr. Olympia and bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Arnold Schwarzenegger sits on the shoulders of bodybuilder and future model in Playboy magazine Lisa Lyon . USA , 1979 pic.twitter.com/O1Wsr7gngj
— DrPopCulture (@DrPopCultureUSA) July 31, 2023
Speaking with TMZ about her deteriorating health, Schwarzenegger said:
“She is the best. I love her,” Schwarzenegger stated.
Given how much women’s bodybuilding endeavors have grown over the past three decades, it’s safe to say Lisa Lyon is happy with the sport’s direction since her time competing on stage. Unlike the 1970s and 1980s, there are additional women’s divisions in the IFBB Pro League available for athletes who vary in stature and size. Lisa Lyon isn’t the only Playboy model who has been in the news cycle lately. Before August could end, tragedy struck the fitness community as popular model Ahmo Hight died at age 50 following uncertain circumstances. There has been no official cause of death, however, RxMuscle revealed that she might have hit her head at a gas station, which could have contributed to a stroke or brain aneurysm.
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As for Lisa Lyon, our team at Fitness Volt wishes her and her family strength and endurance as they navigate through this difficult time.
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