Lize van der Walt
1965–2026Lize van der Walt was a South African-born athlete and TV personality best known as “Gold” on the 1990s UK series Gladiators, who died at 60 after a battle with cancer.
Particulars
Lize van der Walt was born in South Africa and raised in Switzerland, where she excelled in athletics, winning a gold medal in the 400 m at age 21 in 1987. She later moved to the United Kingdom in the 1990s, working as a personal trainer before being selected for the revived ITV show Gladiators.
In 1997 she debuted as the Gladiator “Gold,” quickly becoming a fan favourite with her resilience and signature entrance music, “Gold” by Spandau Ballet. Although her initial run was cut short by injury, she returned for a 2000 international showdown, representing the UK against South Africa.
After leaving the programme, van der Walt returned to South Africa, where she pursued a successful career as an artist and trained as a psychosocial coach, remaining active in fitness and community work.
Diagnosed with cancer in 2013, she battled the illness for over a decade before passing away on 19 April 2026 at the age of 60. Her death was announced by the Gladiators’ official social media accounts, and she is remembered by her son Michael, family, friends, and fans worldwide.
Compiled from source reports and Wikipedia. Automated record.