The arena has fallen silent. Lize Van Der Walt, known to millions as Gold from the originalGladiators, has passed away at the age of 60 after a courageous battle with cancer. Her strength and spirit, once on full display in the iconic show, defined her both on and off screen.
Van Der Walt burst onto the scene in 1997, joining a lineup of formidable Gladiators like Falcon, Lightning, and Rhino. She wasn’t simply a competitor; she was a force, chosen from thousands to embody the show’s ideals of athleticism and unwavering determination. Though injuries sometimes limited her appearances, when she entered the arena, she truly shone.
Before captivating audiences with her golden persona, Van Der Walt was already a gifted athlete. Hailing from South Africa, she excelled in track and field, specializing in the 400m and relay races. This dedication to physical prowess laid the foundation for her unforgettable role onGladiators.
Her adventurous spirit led her to the United Kingdom, where she became a part of television history. A particularly poignant moment came in 2000 when she returned to the arena, this time representing the UK against her home nation – a proud and symbolic full-circle experience.
Following her time as Gold, Van Der Walt embraced a new passion, returning to her roots in Hermanus, South Africa. She found solace and expression in art, creating stunning seascapes and semi-abstract pieces inspired by the breathtaking landscapes around her.
She passed away on April 19th, leaving behind a legacy of strength, resilience, and artistic beauty. Tributes have poured in from fans who fondly remember her electrifying performances and the impact she had on their childhoods.
![Editorial use only Mandatory Credit: Photo by ITV/Shutterstock (9009064es) Fox [Tammy Baker], Gold [Lize Van Der Walt], Siren [Alison Paton], Lightning [Kim Betts] Season 6 1997 "Gladiators" TV Series - 1990s Gladiators is a British television sports entertainment game show, an adaptation of the American programme and its format, American Gladiators, and was produced by LWT for ITV from 10 October 1992 to 1 January 2000. The programme's format sees four contestants, two male and two female, compete in a series of physical events against the show's "Gladiators", eventually competing in one final event, with contestants aiming to secure a place in the grand final and be crowned champion for their respective series.](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/SEI_294025013-80d7.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Those who knew her personally remember a kind and vibrant soul. Former colleagues shared stories of her warmth and generosity, highlighting the genuine person behind the Gladiator persona. Her memory will live on through her art and the countless moments she gifted to viewers.
She is survived by her son, Michael, and a community of family and friends who will deeply miss her. Lize Van Der Walt, Gold, will forever remain a cherished part ofGladiatorshistory, a testament to the power of athleticism, spirit, and a life lived with unwavering courage.
