Tonya Knight obit

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.

 

She was not on the list.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.