The bodybuilding world, specifically the women's side of the sport, lost one of its greats.
According to TMZ, Lisa Lyon, described as a "game-changer" in women's bodybuilding, has died, according to a close friend of hers.
The close friend who broke the unfortunate news said that Lyon passed away at her home in San Fernando Valley, California, where she was under hospice care.
Lyon reportedly died as a result of her battle with stomach cancer.
The New York Post noted:
Lyon put women’s bodybuilding on the map in 1980 when she won the first International Federation of Bodybuilders Woman’s World Pro Bodybuilding Championship.
She also posed for Playboy that year and would go on to be featured in lots of health and fitness magazines.
Lyon notched several accomplishments during her pro bodybuilding career, appearing on film, television, radio, and being the author of "Lisa Lyon's Body Magic."
In 2000, Lyon notched a major accomplishment in her chosen sport by being inducted into the International Fitness and Bodybuilding Federal Hall of Fame.
She's widely credited with putting women's bodybuilding on the map, and her style, to many, was considered art.
Lisa Lyon, bodybuilding pioneer and inspiration for Marvel’s Elektra, dead at 70 https://t.co/h2q6C8MkGc pic.twitter.com/zplIvUr0UJ
— New York Post (@nypost) September 9, 2023
Given her status in the sport, tributes poured in across social media, including from one of the sport's biggest names, Arnold Schwarzenegger said.
"She is the best. I love her," he said in a statement to TMZ.
Lisa Lyon has passed away at 70 following a battle with pancreatic cancer
Lyon, who also posed for Playboy in 1980, had been treated in a hospice in LA pic.twitter.com/klmpYswIzU— News News News (@NewsNew97351204) September 9, 2023
"RIP Lisa Lyon: A pioneer in professional women’s bodybuilding and Playboy model, has died. Arnold Schwarzenegger sits on the shoulders of bodybuilder Lisa Lyon. She stood at 5-foot-4 and weighed just 120 lbs., compared to Schwarzenegger’s 225," another X user wrote.
RIP Lisa Lyon: A pioneer in professional women’s bodybuilding and Playboy model, has died.
Arnold Schwarzenegger sits on the shoulders of bodybuilder Lisa Lyon. She stood at 5-foot-4 and weighed just 120 lbs., compared to Schwarzenegger’s 225 pic.twitter.com/V3afh6Aie4
— ArcaRays 💯⚖️⛷️🌳🌽🐧👊🏽 (@ellyArcaRays) September 9, 2023
