2018 Mr. Olympia champion Shawn Rhoden has reportedly died at the age of 46.
The pro bodybuilder is said to have suffered a fatal heart attack, according to sources close to Generation Iron.
The publication said Rhoden’s trainer, Chris Aceto, also confirmed the bodybuilder's death to close friends.
In addition to revoking Mr. Rhoden’s eligibility from future Mr. Olympia competitions, American Media also announced that it would suspend coverage of Mr. Rhoden in its media brands, including Muscle & Fitness and FLEX, until the legal process has been completed.
About American Media, LLC
American Media, LLC owns and operates the leading print and digital celebrity and active lifestyle media brands in the United States. American Media’s titles include Us Weekly, Star, OK!, In Touch, Life & Style, Closer, Men’s Journal, Muscle & Fitness, Powder, Snowboarder, Surfer, Bike, Mr. Olympia Contest, National Enquirer and other celebrity and teen titles. American Media also manages nineteen different digital sites including Usmagazine.com, OKmagazine.com, RadarOnline.com, Intouchweekly.com, Lifeandstylemag.com, Closerweekly.com, MensJournal.com, MuscleandFitness.com, Powder.com, Surfer.com and other digital and social properties. American Media’s magazines have a combined total circulation of 5.7+ million and reach approximately 49.4 million men and women each month. American Media's digital properties reach approximately 65 million unique visitors monthly. Press Contact: Jon Hammond, Hammond Strategies, (917) 856-0206, jon@hammondstrategies.com
Shawn Rhoden wasn't on the radar of many to win the 2018 Mr. Olympia due to his backsliding to a 5th place finish in 2017, his inability to compete at the 2018 Arnold Classic due to illness, and his lack of progress pictures and videos on social media. There was an assumption made that the Jamaican wasn't in peak shape. That assumption was proven wrong as Flexatron won the 2018 Mr. Olympia triumphing over 7X champ Phil Heath.
Rhoden earned a $675,000 payout, the largest in the history of the Mr. Olympia competition.
At 43 years old he ties the record for oldest bodybuilder to win the Olympia with Chis Dickerson.
The top 5 finishers were:
1. Shawn Rhoden.
2. Phil Heath.
3. Roelly Winklaar.
4. William Bonac.
5. Brandon Curry.
