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Home » Bodybuilding

Iconic Women’s Bodybuilder Tonya Knight Passes Away at 56 After Battle with Cancer

Tonya Knight, a female bodybuilding star from the 1980s and 1990s has died on February 7, 2023 following a cancer diagnosis.

Written by Doug Murray

Published on7 February, 2023 | 3:49 PM EDT

Updated on7 February, 2023 | 3:49 PM EDT

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Tonya Knight Passes Away

Tonya Knight / Instagram

Women’s Bodybuilding sensation Tonya Knight has died at 56 following a battle with cancer. News of her passing on February 7, 2023, was first made available by SNBC13. 

Competing as a professional in Women’s Bodybuilding, Tonya Knight established herself as a frontrunner with excellent conditioning, thoughtful posing routines, and balanced proportions. During her decorated tenure, she challenged royalty in the division, like Anja Schreiner and six-time Ms. Olympia Cory Everson (the only female bodybuilder to ever retire undefeated) 

Tonya Knight is a Ms. International champion, which at the time was the second-most prestigious Women’s Bodybuilding competition behind only the Mr. Olympia (from 1989 onwards, the Ms. International contest was a part of the annual Arnold Sports Festival). She also made an appearance on the Olympia stage.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tonya Knight (@tonyaknightpro)

Tonya Knight returned to the Ms. International stage in 1991 and won. This would serve as the final victory of her storied career. Her last two bodybuilding appearances came at the 1992 Ms. International in sixth place as well as a third-place finish at the 1993 Jan Tana Classic.

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Iconic Women’s Bodybuilder Tonya Knight Passes Away from Cancer at 56, Bodybuilding Community Mourns

In various posts shared on Instagram, the bodybuilding community reacted to her tragic death. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Digital Muscle (@digitalmusclemedia)

After hearing of the news, eight-time Mr. Olympia Lee Haney offered his best wishes. 

“Sorry to hear about the passing of our dear Tonya. She made muscles a thing of Beauty 🙏🏽❤️” wrote Lee Haney. 

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lee "Hercules" Haney (@lee_haney_official)

In addition to her contributions to the sport, Tonya appeared on the American Gladiators TV show with popular bodybuilder Mike O’Hearn. She played the character Gold from 1989-1992 until she left due to a shoulder injury. 

Tonya Knight’s Competition History

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Tonya Knight (@tonyaknightpro)

  • 1984 NPC USA Championship – 11th (LHW)
  • 1985 NPC USA Championship – 6th (HW)
  • 1986 NPC USA Championship – 4th (HW)
  • 1988 Pro World Championship – 5th
  • 1988 IFBB Ms. Olympia – 4th (later disqualified)
  • 1989 Ms. International – 1st (later disqualified)
  • 1991 IFBB Grand Prix Italy – 1st
  • 1991 Ms. International – 1st
  • 1992 Ms. International – 6th
  • 1993 Jan Tana Classic – 3rd

Tonya is the latest bodybuilder to lose her life to cancer. Men’s Open and Classic Physique competitor Lee Banks recently succumbed to a cancerous carcinoid tumor in his intestines as well. He died at 51 years old; his wife revealed the news just a few days ago. 

Tonya Knight
Tonya Knight / Instagram

RELATED: Former Bodybuilder Laura Bass Dies at 49

Given her record of accomplishments and consistency on stage, Tonya was inducted into the IFBB Pro League Hall of Fame in 2011. Born in 1966, in Peculiar, Missouri, Knight is survived by her son Malachi. Our staff at Fitness Volt wishes her family and friends condolences. 

 


If you have any questions about this news, please feel free to contact Doug by leaving a comment below.

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Doug Murray

Doug Murray

Doug Murray is a News Editor for Fitness Volt with a focus on strength sports, including bodybuilding and powerlifting. His experience covering diverse sports, including MMA, for publications like Sportskeeda and CagesidePress informs his in-depth reporting.

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