Olympic gold medallist Tori Bowie, who sprinted her way to gold at Rio 2016, has died at the age of 32.
Bowie was part of the USA’s 4x100m relay squad that claimed glory in Brazil, while she also secured individual silver and bronze in the 100m and 200m respectively at the Games.
“We’re devastated to share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away. We’ve lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister.”
Her management agency, Icon Management, took to Instagram and wrote
“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.”
“My heart breaks for the family of Tori Bowie,” wrote the three-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce on Twitter.
“A great competitor and source of light. Your energy and smile will always be with me. Rest in peace.”
Bowie was found dead at her home in Orlando, Florida after the local sheriff’s department said they went “for a well-being check of a woman in her 30s who had not been seen or heard from in several days.”
The department said they were not treating the death as suspicious.
“USATF is deeply saddened by the passing of Tori Bowie, a three-time Olympic medalist and two-time world champion,” Max Siegel, the CEO of USA Track and Field, said in a statement. “A talented athlete, her impact on the sport is immeasurable, and she will be greatly missed.”
The American won three gold medals on the global stage. Her first came as part of the USA 4x100m relay team at the 2016 Olympics. 2017 was even more successful: she added another relay gold at the World Athletics Championships in London and won individual gold in the 100m, beating Ivory Coast’s Marie-Josée Ta Lou in a photo finish.
“I had no idea. All I knew was I wanted to give it everything I’ve got,” Bowie said after her victory. “Am I really world champion?”
Bowie was born and raised in Mississippi. She played basketball as a girl before her talent on the track became apparent: she won state titles in the 100m, 200m and long jump.
