A major bodybuilding champion tragically died at the age of 36, days before participating in a high-level competition, after suffering a blood clot in Brazil.
Cíntia Goldani, from Rio Grande do Sul, died on Wednesday from a pulmonary embolism, according to organizers of the Musclecontest Brasil event in July.
‘It is with great pain and sadness that we report the death of Professional Athlete Cíntia Goldani due to complications from pneumonia,’ Musclecontest International said in a statement.
‘Cíntia was an angel in human form. God needed reinforcement in heaven. The MuscleContest family will never forget her.
After only becoming a professional in 2021 and reaching national levels a year later, Cíntia was due to attend one of the most important competitions in the country next month.
Cintia Goldani (pictured, undated) was due to participate in Musclecontest Brazil next month
The bodybuilder from Rio Grande do Sul died on Wednesday after suffering a blood clot
Cintia’s fans left touching tributes on her Instagram page, where she shared motivational content
A pulmonary embolism can be caused by weight lifting and intense exercise, but organizers said that in Cintia’s case, it was caused by a recent attack of pneumonia.
Local media reports said she was rushed to hospital but died.
Gustavo César, her partner and fellow bodybuilder, shared a photo of Cintia standing in front of a promotional poster for Inside Out 2 and wrote: ‘This is the last photo I have of you on my phone, and this is how I want to remember you. You forever!
‘Happy smile and with that wonderful energy, you were the best human being I have ever met in the world!
‘I wish I could thank you for everything you have done for me, but I will thank you every day when I see the sunset…’
‘Thank you Cíntia, you are made of pure true love and God wanted you closer to him and away from this evil of the world.
“I wanted to be there with you being happy like we always were,” he continued.
Cintia regularly shared motivational posts and reels with her 21,000 followers on Instagram.
Her last Instagram post on Monday, June 17, read: ‘We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act, but a habit.’
Fans left touching tributes beneath his posts following reports of his passing.
On Instagram, Professor David Stewart, a fellow bodybuilder, wrote: “That’s over 20 years of friendship… incredible.”
‘May God receive you in the best way (…) as you would like to be received on stage… Where you and the whole world outside shone.’
Andrew Felipe wrote in his most recent post: ‘Rest in peace… You will always be an inspiration.’
Cintia had to participate in the national contest on July 20
Cintia’s partner posted a touching tribute writing: ‘You were the best human being I have ever met in the world. I wish I could thank you for everything you have done for me, but I will thank you every day when I see the sunset.
Cintia in the photo with her partner, Gustavo César, undated
Fans heralded the bodybuilder as an ‘inspiration’ following the news of her passing.
Sil Gonzales wrote: ‘I am here in disbelief, you were a happy, determined person, you did not have bad weather. I will never forget how we met.
‘Life is short and in the blink of an eye everything ends. May you find the peace you so deserve. I’m sure he will be the brightest star.’
Another user said: “My condolences to the family, she was an enlightened person and inspired many people.”
Cintia was due to participate in the Figure category of the contest in Curitiba on July 20 before her untimely death.
She also worked as a posing coach and consultant, helping others get started in the sport.
