Former Olympic gold medalist and world champion sprinter Tori Bowie has passed away. She was 32. The athlete died at her home in Florida this week. Her management agency announced the news on Wednesday.
The cause of death has not been revealed yet. Bowie was a part of the USA’s 4x100m relay team that won the gold medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She also won individual medals in the 100m and 200m track races. Read on to know more about her life and career.
Olympic Gold Medalist Tori Bowie Dies at 32
Bowie’s agent, Kimberly Holland, announced the news of her demise on social media on May 3rd by writing, “We’re devasted to share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away. We’ve lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister.”
“Tori was a champion…a beacon of light that shined so bright! We’re truly heartbroken and our prayers are with the family, friends and everyone that loved her.” As the story continues to develop, we ask that you please respect our privacy.”
USA Track and Field then confirmed the news with a statement by CEO Max Siegel, who said, “USATF is deeply saddened by the passing of Tori Bowie, a three-time Olympic medalist and two-time world champion. A talented athlete, her impact on the sport is immeasurable, and she will be greatly missed.”
Bowie was a Two-Time World Champion
Born in Mississippi in 1990, Bowie went on to win state titles in the 100m, 200m, and long jump. In 2011, she won national titles in indoor and outdoor long jump. She later shifted focus to sprinting and won the 4x100m relay along with her squad at the Rio Olympics. She also won silver and bronze medals in the 100m and 200m games respectively.
The subsequent year, she participated in the World Athletics Championships in London and won both relay and individual 100m games. “I had no idea. All I knew was I wanted to give it everything I’ve got. Am I really a world champion?” Bowie had said after winning the championship.
In 2019, she returned to the long jump and stood fourth at the world championships. However, she did not attempt to qualify for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics. Her last race was in June 2022, when she participated in a 200m contest in Florida and finished fifth.
World Athletics Pay Tributes
Following the saddening news, World Athletics paid tribute to Bowie on social media. “World Athletics is deeply saddened by the passing of Tori Bowie, the 2017 world 100m champion and multiple Olympic medallists. Condolences go out to her family and friends,” wrote the association.
Jamaican sprinter and Olympic medalist Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce wrote, “My heart breaks for the family of Tori Bowie. A great competitor and source of light. Your energy and smile will always be with me. Rest in peace.”
Famous sprinter Noah Lyles tweeted, “I can’t believe this. I had just heard word of her going to be with her sister back home and now this. This breaks my heart to hear and I will keep the family in my prayers.”
Our condolences to Tori Bowie’s family and friends. May her soul rest in peace!
