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Tori Bowie's tragic death at 32 leaves athletics world in shock

The death of the three-time Olympic medallist has left the athletics world shocked and devastated.

andrew reid
·4-min read
The athletics world has been rocked by former world and Olympic Games gold medallist, Tori Bowie. Pic: Getty
The athletics world has been rocked by former world and Olympic Games gold medallist, Tori Bowie. Pic: Getty

Tributes are pouring in across the athletics world after tragic news of the death of three-time Olympic Games medallist and former 100m sprint world champion, Tori Bowie. The American star - who won 4x100m relay gold at the Rio 2016 Games, as well as 100m silver and 200m bronze - was found dead in her Florida home at the age of 32.

Bowie's agent, Kimberley Holland, confirmed the tragic news to CNN, with reports authorities found Bowie's unresponsive body inside the property after attending the home as part of a wellness check. The cause of her death is not yet known. It is not being treated as suspicious.

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The talented track and field athlete won NCAA long jump championships during her time at Southern Mississippi in outdoor and indoor track in 2021. She won all three of her Olympic medals in 2016 at the Rio Games after she took silver in the 100-metre sprint, bronze in the 200-metres and gold as the anchor for the 4x100 relay alongside Tianna Bartoletta, Allyson Felix and English Gardner.

Bowie's management company was among the first to pay tribute to the star, describing her as a "beacon of light" in a touching tribute. "We’ve lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister," Icon Management wrote in a Twitter post. "Tori was a champion…a beacon of light that shined so bright! We’re truly heartbroken and our prayers are with the family and friends."

Bowie was born and grew up in Mississippi, and won two state high school championships in the 100-metre and 200-metre sprints as well as long jump, plus three state titles in the 4Γ—100 relay. She also won the 100-metre sprint and 4x100 relay at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London.

Two years earlier, she won bronze in the 100-metre sprint at the 2015 championships in Beijing. She finished fourth in long jump at the 2019 World Championships in Qatar. USA Track and Field said Bowie's "impact on the sport is immeasurable" and that she will be "greatly missed".

Tori Bowie (far left) was the anchor runner for the USA women's 4x100m relay team that won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Pic: Getty
Tori Bowie (far left) was the anchor runner for the USA women's 4x100m relay team that won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympic Games. Pic: Getty

Athletics world pays tribute to Tori Bowie

A statement from Team USA added: "She was an admired friend, team-mate, and a great representative of Team USA." Current 100m world champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce was also among those to pay tribute to her late rival.

"My heart breaks for Tori Bowie's family. A great competitor and source of light," Fraser-Pryce wrote. "Your energy and smile will always be with me. Rest in peace."

Noah Lyles - the US record-holder for the 200m sprint and two-time world champion added: "This breaks my heart to hear and I will keep the family in my prayers." After converting from long jump to focus on sprinting in 2014, Bowie became the fastest woman in the world that year and remains the only American woman to have won an Olympic or world 100m title since Carmelita Jeter in 2011.

News of Bowie's tragic death sparked an outpouring of grief on social media. Fans from all over the athletics world expressed their shock and devastation that she had died so young.

with agencies

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