1993 Ms. Olympia Runner-Up Once Hailed as the “Golden Panther” Looks Unrecognizable

For the past 40+ years, Ms. Olympia has witnessed many extraordinary female bodybuilders. These women have shown unparalleled strength and bodybuilding spirit in their physiques. One such Ms. Olympia from the 1990s, Denise Rutkowski, was a bodybuilder star. However, she diverted her career toward religion, and later she faced a harrowing downfall.

Famously known as ‘Golden Panther’ during her bodybuilding days, Rutkowski, had some of the most exceptional looks. She became the runner-up Ms. Olympia in 1993, which ascended her to the peak of her career. However, today, she is unrecognizable if her fans saw her.

Shocking transformation of the female bodybuilding star

During her bodybuilding days, Rutkowski had the most amazing bodybuilder looks. The beach blondie had tanned skin, shredded muscles, and fantastic onstage acrobatics. The Texas native came to San Diego in 1989. After this, she began to train at Gold’s Gym at Pacific Beach. Once she won the Orange County Muscle Classic and California State Championships in 1991, ‘the Golden Panther’ was unstoppable. Within the next two years, she trained for Ms.Olympia and captured the runner-up position in 1993. Nevertheless, her skills played a major role in turning her into a star. At her career’s peak, she visited various places and shows like WWF shows, Disneyland, and sporting events.

Read More: Female Bodybuilder Walks Into the Gym in Heels and Leaves a Man Baffled: “You Are About to Work Out in These?”

More so, bodybuilding experts predicted that she could be an easy winner at the following year’s Ms. Olympia. However, Denise shocked everyone with her sudden retirement decision. The 5ft 5-inch female bodybuilder felt for the underprivileged children. Hence, she returned to Texas and joined Calvary Cathedral International Bible College. She dedicated her life to the path of religion. After this, her life remained private until 2012.

The 61-year-old was arrested for unknown reasons. However, the most shocking thing was her devastating physical transformation. The police officers released her mugshots, where she appeared with the most bizarre facial look. The ‘once Golden Panther’ had mousy brown hair, and her face degraded with blemishes and a weird goatee. However, a year later she was arrested again for evading arrest.

Watch This Story: 8x Mr. Olympia Ronnie Coleman Named His Female Counterpart in the Bodybuilding World

Her condition degraded majorly due to using steroids, growth hormones, and other substances during her bodybuilding days. However, in 2019, her family confirmed that Denise was back to working at the Fort Worth ministries.

Sadly, they have also confirmed that ‘she still wants nothing to do with her bodybuilding past.’