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| Dona Oliveira |
It was reported this week that bodybuilder Dona Oliveira died at the age of 58.
Here's the news shared by Lonnie Teper on the Evolution of Bodybuilding site.Dona Oliveira passes away.
No word on cause of death.
I remember her well from the early days of women's bodybuilding.She could be described as being from the second wave of 80's female bodybuilders.She was riding on the inspiration of the late 70's-to early 80's birth of modern women's bodybuilding.
She was genuinely beautiful.At 5'1 and 120'slbs weight she had amazing quality in a small package.
Fantastic arms,and shoulders.A tiny tight waist and lovely legs.She also had the requisite poofy 80's hair do.
I wouldn't be exaggerating by much if I called her great.She was a very fine bodybuilder.
She competed in several Ms Olympia contests,and placed as high as 6th.
She also won a few big contests including the 85' NPC USA,85' IFBB World Games,and the 88' IFBB Pro World Championships.
She retired in 1990.Then remarkably,she came back in her 50's to compete a few more times in Physique.
She was from Massachusetts,and you could sure hear it in her classic accent.
She had a long career as a hospital nurse as well.
Here's video of several news stories done on her from 1988.
I vividly recall the CNN story.I know I watched it.Hell,I probably taped it too.
It's the third story at about 5:20 in the video.
She featured regularly in the popular bodybuilding magazines as well.
She always seemed to be so bright,full,and robust.And very much like she was enjoying her time in the sport.
She said she retired because the level in women's bodybuilding changed too much.She's right.The muscularity,and conditioning did change a lot quickly.
Here's an early video from a popular American morning show with Dona,and Kris Alexander.
This is a good example of what the mid eighties female bodybuilder looked like.Very fit,yes.But they're similar to the appearance of CrossFit athletes now.Not really bulky,or hard.
(To address the question that always comes up,I wouldn't be surprised if both were natural at this time.Alexander doesn't look like she's taken anabolics.I doubt Oliveira had taken any,or much.I would say she did use PEDS at the height of her career.)
These women look very healthy.And you can see the why there was a growing interest in female bodybuilders at this time.
Here's a mix of images from her career.
An interview with Dave Palumbo of RxMuscle from her 2014 comeback.
Extraordinary condition in a 53 year old woman!
She seemed like a really terrific person.I've heard a lot of people in bodybuilding paying their sincere respects,and saying how much they liked her.
She kept training,and loved the life of a lifter.
You really can't say enough good things about the people who dedicate their lives to nursing either.
Deep condolences to her family,and friends.
She'll be missed.
