On December 24, 2023, 18‑year‑old Brazilian rhythmic gymnast Isabelle Marciniak died while undergoing cancer treatment.
Before pausing her career in 2023 to focus fully on medical procedures, Marciniak won the state champion title in the adult trio. In 2024 she also became the national champion in the individual all‑around competition at the Brazilian Rhythmic Gymnastics Championships.
"Her story, passion, and memory will remain alive as an inspiration for all who believe in gymnastics as a tool for human development and transformation," the Paraná Gymnastics Federation stated in an official communiqué.
The death occurred in Curitiba, and the cremation took place in the chapel of Jardim Independência cemetery in Araucária, the town where she grew up and began her athletic career.
Marciniak suffered from Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of cancer that can be cured if detected early, yet in some cases leads to a tragic outcome.