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Tori Bowie: Tributes pour in as three-time Olympic medalist and ex-world champion sprinter dies aged 32

Tori Bowie, who won gold at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London, was found dead in her Florida home on Tuesday, April 3

CLERMONT, FLORIDA: Tori Bowie, a three-time Olympic medalist and former 100m world champion, has died at the age of 32, her management company confirmed on Wednesday, April 3. The former Olympian was found dead in her Florida home on Tuesday, April 3. The cause of her death has not been released yet.

“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. 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," her representatives, Icon Management, said in a statement on social media, according to The Sun. The track and field community has been left in shock after her sudden demise.

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Who was Tori Bowie?

Bowie, who was born in Sand Hill, Mississippi, started competing in track and field while attending Pisgah High School, where she also played women's basketball. She was a two-time state high school champion in the 100m, 200m, and long jump, as well as a member of three winning 4x100m relay teams. She then attended the University of Southern Mississippi on a track and field scholarship, where she won two long jump gold medals in the NCAA Women's Indoor Track and Field Championship, according to the Mirror.

Her first international medal came in 2015 when she earned a bronze in the 100m race at the World Athletics Championships in Beijing. This success also helped her qualify for the US Olympic team for the Rio Olympics in 2016. At the global event, she qualified to compete for team USA in the finals of the 4x100 meter relay, the 100m, and the 200m. While Bowie won a silver in the 100m dash, she finished with a bronze in the 200m event.

She also helped USA retain the gold in the 4x100m relay by running the anchor leg with fellow sprinters English Gardner, Allyson Felix, and Tianna Bartoletta, according to Daily Mail. A year later, Bowie won gold medals in the 100m dash and the 4x100m relay at the 2017 World Athletics Championships in London. According to Runners World, Bowie hasn't competed since June 4, 2022, when she finished fifth in a 200m race in Florida.

'Doesn't feel right'

Following Bowie’s tragic death, many athletes paid tribute to the star sprinter on social media. "I can't believe this," American world champion Noah Lyles wrote, adding, "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." Former British Olympian Jade Johnson wrote, "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!" she added. Remembering Bowie, Kenyan javelin superstar Julius Yego tweeted, "So devastating and shocking to learn of the passing on of Tori Bowie. The world of athletics has lost a great champion and patriot of the sport, rest in peace, Tori. Condolences to the greater family of Tori Bowie, together in prayers."