As tributes pour in, some social media users also debated whether bodybuilding was a suitable means of recovery from her struggle with anorexia. Here\u2019s everything we know about Alix Small.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Alix Small passed away on November 8, 2026, at the age of 26. News of her passing was broken by bodybuilding news account Beyond The Stage TV on Instagram, \u201cShocked to hear to the terrible news of the passing of 2 x Fitness Pro winner and Olympian @alixsmallll.\u201d<\/p>\n The account revealed that her death was confirmed by Small\u2019s best friend and her mother. Per TMZ, <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>the exact cause of her death has not been officially disclosed and the circumstances surrounding her passing remain unclear.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Born in Forfar, Scotland, Alix Small had a background as a competitive gymnast from age five before transitioning into bodybuilding. She claimed two IFBB Pro League titles and reached the prestigious Olympia \u2013 the world\u2019s top bodybuilding competition.<\/p>\n She earned her IFBB Pro card at 19, before going on to win the 2021 Europa Pro Championships in Spain, qualifying to compete at the Olympia. She placed 12th<\/sup> at the competition that year.<\/p>\n Her success was followed up once again in 2022, when she was crowned fitness champion at Mr. Big Evolution Pro. Her victory earned her not only a title but also made her qualify for the Olympia once again. However, she was unfortunately forced to withdraw due to health concerns. She ultimately, never returned to professional competition.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Beyond her professional endeavours, Alix Small also emerged victorious against eating disorders, a journey she has documented on her Instagram. Small began struggling with anorexia at the age of 15, and later she struggled with bulimia. In 2018, she turned to body building to help overcome her eating disorders.<\/p>\n Image credit :<\/span> Instagram @alixgabriellasmall | Alix Small had shared before and after photos of her eating disorder recovery<\/p>\n<\/div>\n In an interview with STV News <\/i><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/span>in 2021, she credited bodybuilding and strength training with helping her through her recovery, by shifting away her focus from her physical appearance towards physical strength.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople think bodybuilding is an aesthetics sport and it is, but you\u2019ve got to let go of what you look like and it\u2019s about the performance side of it,\u201d she had explained. \u201cThat\u2019s really helped me along my journey, and I just want to be the best that I can be.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n Following her untimely passing, the internet was flooded with tributes from her peers and from those who resonated deeply with Small\u2019s journey. We join the bodybuilding world in mourning the passing of Alix Small. She was only 26 years old. Cause of death is unknown at this time. May she rest in peace. \ud83d\ude14\ud83d\udd4a https:\/\/t.co\/RJoKw1QZUP<\/p>\nHow did Alix Small pass away? <\/h3>\n
Who was Alix Small? <\/h3>\n
Alix Small\u2019s struggle with eating disorders <\/h3>\n
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Tributes pour in for Alix Small <\/h3>\n
\u201cYou were such a funny, caring and thoughtful person, and I\u2019ll always remember the kindness you showed me,\u201d wrote fellow body builder Phoebe Goodwin o Instagram, \u201cI\u2019ll never forget you being there for me when we got home after winning my IFBB Pro card. It\u2019s a memory I\u2019ll always hold close.\u201d<\/p>\n\n