The tragic news of Tori Bowie’s death was confirmed on Wednesday by her management company, who released an emotional statement via social media. Bowie won acclaim for her gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, where she came first in the 4x100m relay and took home silver and bronze in the 100m and 200m respectively. In 2017, Bowie won the 100m gold at the World Athletics Championships.
American sprinter and three-time Olympic medallist Tori Bowie has passed away at the age of 32.
The news was confirmed by Icon Management Inc. in a statement released on social media, and tributes have poured in for the World Championship winning athlete.
Icon Management Inc. said: “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 and friends.”
World Athletics confirmed the news, and issued their own statement.
They wrote: “World Athletics is deeply saddened to hear that Tori Bowie, the 2017 world 100m champion and multiple Olympic medallist, has died at the age of 32. Alongside her individual world gold, Bowie also formed part of USA’s title winning 4x100m team in London and claimed an Olympic medal treble in Rio in 2016, getting gold in the 4x100m, silver in the 100m and bronze in the 200m.”
Among those that paid tribute to Bowie included fellow Team USA athlete Noah Lyles, who wrote in a tribute: “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.”
Meanwhile, Great Britain Olympic track and field athlete Jade Johnson tweeted: “I’m completely IN SHOCK right now! Tori Bowie, one of the most talented athletes in the world, has passed away at the age of only 32 years old!
“I know that people die…BUT this just doesn’t feel right!?! She was SO young with SO much ahead of her?! Heartbreaking!”
Those sentiments were echoed by Olympic Kenyan track and field star Julius Yego, who said: “So devastating and shocking to learn of the passing on of Tori Bowie. The world of athletics have lost a great champion and patriot of the sport, rest in peace Tori. Condolences to the greater family of Tori Bowie, together in prayers.”
Bowie won acclaim for her gold medal at the Rio 2016 Olympics, where she came first in the 4x100m relay and took home silver and bronze in the 100m and 200m respectively.
In 2017, Bowie won the 100m gold at the World Athletics Championships held in London and achieved success again in the 4x100m relay.
The 2017 100m gold victory saw Bowie battle it out with Marie-Josee Ta Lou for gold, and the former’s time of 10.85s was enough to claim victory – 0.1 seconds ahead of her rival.
