Mr. Olympia Champion Shawn Rhoden Passes Away at 46
Former Mr. Olympia Shawn Rhoden, revered in the bodybuilding community as “Flexatron,” has passed away at the age of 46 due to a heart attack, according to multiple reports.
Rhoden, a celebrated figure in the professional bodybuilding world, made history in 2018 by becoming the oldest competitor to ever win the prestigious Mr. Olympia title at the age of 43. His victory saw him dethrone seven-time reigning champion Phil Heath, solidifying his place among the sport’s elite. Generation Iron first reported his passing on Saturday.
Chris Aceto, Rhoden’s longtime coach and mentor, confirmed the tragic news to close friends over the weekend. He later paid tribute to the bodybuilding icon via Instagram early Monday, writing:
“The best part of being in Shawn Rhoden’s inner circle was witnessing his unwavering dedication, ability, and genuine need to uplift others. He had a gift for elevating those around him. For these and many other reasons, I will deeply miss an athlete who naturally became a true and dear friend.”
Flexing Nation further reported that Rhoden had previously suffered a heart attack and battled other health issues in recent years. His passing was privately confirmed by close associates over the weekend but was made public on November 8, 2021.
A native of Jamaica, Rhoden rose to prominence in the bodybuilding world through years of rigorous training, strategic conditioning, and an impeccable stage presence. His combination of mass, symmetry, and aesthetics made him one of the most admired competitors in the sport. His victory at Mr. Olympia 2018 was a testament to his dedication to pushing the boundaries of human physique and performance.
However, his career faced significant setbacks in 2019 when he was accused of sexually assaulting a female bodybuilder in a hotel room in Utah. As a result, he was barred from competing in future Mr. Olympia contests pending the resolution of his case. He pleaded not guilty, though details regarding the final outcome remain unclear.
Since his landmark Olympia win, Rhoden had not competed professionally. His last publicized appearance in the bodybuilding scene showcased his continued commitment to maintaining an elite-level physique, with his bodyweight hovering around 250 pounds.
Muscle & Fitness reported that Rhoden suffered a fatal heart attack on Friday, making him the fourth Mr. Olympia titleholder to have passed away among the 16 champions crowned since the competition’s inception in 1965.
Rhoden leaves behind his young daughter, Cora Capri. Just days before Halloween, he shared a heartfelt moment on Instagram featuring his daughter dressed as Batgirl while he sported a mask, captioning it:
“When the squad shows up for work. Not saying we are superheroes, but we might be villains to some people.”
In his final Instagram post, just five days before his passing, Rhoden displayed his signature sculpted physique, reinforcing the dedication that had defined his career.
“Brick by brick and patience it will take,” he wrote to his nearly two million followers. “See you on the other side.”
The news of Rhoden’s sudden passing sent shockwaves throughout the bodybuilding community. Rich Gaspari, a legendary bodybuilder and former Olympia runner-up, expressed his sorrow on Instagram:
“I’m shocked to hear of Shawn’s passing. It’s heartbreaking. He was always a gentleman toward me and possessed one of the most aesthetic physiques in the history of bodybuilding. My condolences to his family.”
Shawn Rhoden’s legacy will forever be remembered for his remarkable contributions to the sport, his artistic approach to muscle sculpting, and his inspiring journey from adversity to becoming one of bodybuilding’s most respected champions.
