Alix Small, originally from Forfar, Scotland, has died at the age of 26. The champion athlete’s passing was announced after her mother shared the news with a social media page
A beloved British bodybuilder who overcame a debilitating eating disorder to become a two time champion has tragically died at just 26. Alix Small’s death was announced on social media after her mother shared the news with a bodybuilding social media page.
The circumstances of the athlete’s death are not known at this time. The Brit, who was originally from Forfar, Scotland, was open about her battle with anorexia which started at just 15.
Alix overcame her eating disorder to compete the top of female bodybuilding at 19. She won the IFBB Pro League Fitness twice and even made it all the way to the Olympia stage.
In a heart-breaking post announcing Alix’s death, Beyond The Stage wrote on Instagram: “Shocked to hear to the terrible news of the passing of 2 x Fitness Pro winner and Olympian @alixsmallll. I was passed this information by her best friend and mother earlier today. My thoughts are with her friends and family.”
The tragic death has shook the bodybuilding world with tributes flooding in for the “kind, funny and caring” star. IFBB pro Phoebe Goodwin wrote on Instagram: “I honestly don’t have the words. Alix, I still can’t quite believe you’re gone.
“You were such a funny, caring and thoughtful person, and I’ll always remember the kindness you showed me. I’ll never forget you being there for me when we got home after winning my IFBB Pro card. It’s a memory I’ll always hold close.”
She added: “Life is so incredibly cruel sometimes. I wish we had more time and more memories to make. Sending so much love to your family. You’ll be missed more than you know. Rest peacefully, Alix.”
Another friend wrote: “I’m so sorry Pheebs. Sending you so much love.”
A second said: “We lost an incredible person. I’m still at a loss for words . I’ll forever miss her.”
A third wrote: “This is very sad news. She was an incredible athlete. She shined on and off stage every time I saw and spoke with her. May she rest in peace.”
In the months before her death, Alix posted about how anorexia is “literally, factually, the most deadly mental illness”. At the peak of her struggles with the disease when she was younger, she dropped 30 kg.
But she overcame the brutal eating disorder and trained strenuously while eating a 6,000 calorie diet in her bid to build muscle.