It is with a heavy heart that I report the tragic news of the passing of Olympic track and field champion Tori Bowie. She was just 32 years old. The three-time Olympic medalist’s death was confirmed by her management company on Wednesday morning through a social media statement.
“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 and friends. pic.twitter.com/ES83SjM7u4
— Icon Management Inc. (@iconmanagement) May 3, 2023
Bowie’s impressive accomplishments on the track include helping the U.S. win gold in the 100-meter relay at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, as well as winning silver in the 100-meter sprint and bronze in the 200-meter at the same Games. She won gold in the 100-meter race at the IAAF World Championships the following year, while also helping the U.S. retain gold in the 100-meter relay.
Bowie’s journey to becoming an Olympic champion was not an easy one. She was raised by her grandmother in the small town of Sandhill, Mississippi, after being left at a foster home. She originally dreamed of playing basketball, but was convinced to try track and field. She quickly excelled at the sport, winning state championships in the 100-meter, 200-meter, and long-jump events.
She later attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where she became a three-time All-American and won two long jump titles in both indoor and outdoor events in 2011. After winning her three medals at the 2016 Games, November 25 was named “Tori Bowie Day” in Mississippi, an honor she called “special” and “humbling.”
The cause of Tori Bowie’s death was not immediately known on Wednesday morning. Olympians from around the world have taken to social media to mourn her passing and pay tribute to her incredible career. Jamaican sprinter Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, who competed against Bowie at the 2016 Games, wrote on Twitter, “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.”
The world of sports has lost a true champion and a bright light with the passing of Tori Bowie. She will be remembered for her incredible talent on the track and her infectious smile off of it. My thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Tori Bowie.
