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Athletics world in mourning over tragic death of 21-year-old runner

sam goodwin
Sports Editor
·4-min read
Sarah Shulze, pictured here at the University of Wisconsin.
Sarah Shulze's death has rocked the athletics world. Image: University of Wisconsin/Twitter

The athletics world is mourning the tragic death of University of Wisconsin track star Sarah Shulze at age 21.

Shulze’s family announced the devastating news, saying she "took her own life".

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“Balancing athletics, academics and the demands of everyday life overwhelmed her in a single, desperate moment," the family said in a statement.

"Like you, we are shocked and grief stricken while holding on tightly to all that Sarah was.

“Above all other things, Sarah was a power for good in the world.

"Her deep compassion was evident in her devotion to her sisters Abbey and Ella, the love her parents felt from her every single day, and the extra care she took in moments shared with her grandparents and cousins.”

Sarah Shulze, pictured here with University of Wisconsin track teammates.
Sarah Shulze (L) with University of Wisconsin track teammates. Image: Sarahshulze.com/Twitter

Wisconsin officials also shared their devastation while paying tribute to Shulze.

“Sarah was a beloved daughter, sister, granddaughter, friend, teammate and Badger student-athlete,” the university said in a statement.

“We extend our deepest sympathies and sincere condolences to Sarah’s family, friends and Badger teammates during this extraordinarily difficult time.

"Our primary focus is the support of the Shulze family and our student-athletes.”

Athletics world mourns death of Sarah Shulze

Shulze competed in cross country, as well as indoor and outdoor track,

The 21-year-old earned academic honours in 2020 and 2021 for cross country and in 2021 for track.

In 2018, she was named Ventura County Athlete of the Year and earned a scholarship to the University of Wisconsin.

Family members said she had been an intern at the Wisconsin legislature and volunteered as a poll worker during the 2020 presidential election.

“These experiences helped develop her deep love for politics, social causes and women’s rights,” her family said.

“Sarah regarded herself as a champion for all women, as did the many family members, friends, students and athletes who surrounded her.”

The family have since announced they are starting the 'Sarah Shulze Foundation', a charity to support women’s rights, student athletes, and mental health - “the causes most important to our Sarah.”

“We thank you for respecting our family’s privacy during this time,” the family said.

“We also thank you for your love and strength as we are all just beginning to mourn this unexpected and unfathomable loss.”

Tributes have been flooding in on social media, with Australian tennis great Rennae Stubbs writing: "No matter what, no matter how bad it seems at the time, reach out, PLEASE reach out.

"This is so heartbreaking. There is so much hate in this world and confusion for these kids.

"Suicide is the 2ND leading cause of death in the US in youths. Ask yourself why!?"

with Associated Press

Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467.

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