Gladiators star Lize van der Walt, also known as Gold, has died at the age of 60.
The athlete and TV personality died on April 19 after a battle with cancer, with her passing announced in a post on social media.
Lize appeared on the original run of Gladiators, and joined the show in 1997 after beating out thousands of applicants, but her time on the programme was cut short after she struggled with injury.
Her death was announced on the Gladiators Instagram page, with a statement reading: ‘We’re deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Gladiators’ golden girl, Gold.
‘Lize joined the UK Gladiators in 1997, bringing strength, spirit and determination to the Arena. Chosen from thousands of applicants to become one of the show’s new Gladiators, she quickly made her mark.
‘Although injury limited her appearances, she showed incredible resilience and when she did compete, she proved that all that glistens truly was Gold.
Gladiators star Lize van der Walt, also known as Gold, has died at the age of 60 after a battle with cancer (pictured on the show in 1997)
‘Originally from South Africa, Lize was a talented athlete long before Gladiators, excelling in the 400m and relay.
‘Her adventurous spirit brought her to the UK, where she became part of Gladiators history.
‘She returned to the Arena in 2000 to represent the UK against her home nation. A proud full-circle moment that reflected her strength and character.
‘Following her time on Gladiators, Lize returned home to Hermanus in South Africa, a beautiful coastal town known for its breathtaking views and sunsets.
‘There, she built a new life as a successful artist, creating seascapes and semi-abstract work inspired by her surroundings.
‘After a long and brave battle with cancer, Lize passed away on 19th April in South Africa, aged 60.
‘Our thoughts are with her son Michael, her family, friends and all who knew and loved her. Thank you for the memories, Lize. You will always be part of Gladiators history.’
Lize, who hails from South Africa but grew up in Switzerland, received a gold medal for the 400m in 1987, when she was 21, and was also a keen adventurer.
She climbed Table Mountain in Cape Town before relocating to the UK in the 1990s, and after giving up her athletic career, moved back to South Africa to work as an artist.
Her last post on Instagram came on April 2, and just weeks earlier, she’d paid tribute to her son Michael for earning a second-degree black belt in martial arts.
The athlete and TV personality died on April 19 after a battle with cancer , with her passing announced in a post on social media
Tributes have poured in for Lize following her passing, with comments under the post including: ‘I was very fortunate to have communicated with Lize years ago. After overcoming her suspicion of why some random guy in the UK wanted to speak to her about Gladiators, she very kindly arranged to have photos from that chapter of her life sent to me, and she answered all my questions.
‘It’s a shame that so much of her life in the last 20 years was spent battling cancer. Still, she did it with the grit and determination of a true Gladiator! And so many beautiful works of art to carry on her memory too;
‘Thank you for being such a wonderful person. Your battle, fight and dignity proved that you are a true Gladiator in every way.
‘My thoughts are with your family, friends and all that loved you. On behalf of the fans, thank you for being our Gladiators golden girl. Forever and always. Rest in peace;’
‘I am very sorry to hear of the passing of Lize. Though my watching of the Gladiators had been more intermittent in the late 90s compared to the early 90s, Lize was a proven athlete and a great part of the Gladiator roster.
‘Cancer is such a horrible disease and this very sad news just shows that nobody is immune. Not even a Gladiator. My thoughts and condolences are with all of Lize’s family at this very sad and distressing time.’
Gladiators was originally broadcast on ITV from 1992 to 2000, hosted by John Fashanu and Ulrika Jonsson, and made household names of stars such as Trojan, Jet, Nightshade and Hunter.
The series was revived by the BBC in 2024, with Bradley Walsh and his son Barney as hosts.
