The sprinter Tori Bowie, who took home three Olympic medals from the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, has away. She was 32 years old.
Bowie’s management business and USA Track and Field made the announcement of her passing on Wednesday. The reason of death was not disclosed.
“USATF is deeply saddened by the passing of Tori Bowie, a three-time Olympic medalist and a two-time world champion,” said USA Track and Field CEO Max Siegel in a statement. She was a gifted athlete with an enormous impact on the sport. She will be sorely missed.
Deputies were called to a property in the region on Tuesday afternoon, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando, Florida, “for a well-being check of a woman in her 30s who had not been seen or heard from for several days.”
A woman, “tentatively identified as Frentorish “Tori” Bowie (DOB: 8/27/1990), was found deceased in the house, the sheriff’s office reported. There were no indicators of wrongdoing.
Bowie, who was raised in Sandhill, Mississippi, was persuaded to join track as a youngster and swiftly advanced as a sprinter and long jumper. She was a student at Southern Mississippi, and in 2011 she won both the indoor and outdoor long jump NCAA championships.
At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Bowie put on an electrifying performance, taking home silver in the 100 and bronze in the 200. She later won the 4×100 relay race as the anchor leg runner alongside Tianna Bartoletta, Allyson Felix, and English Gardner.
She won the 100-meter race in the 2017 World Championships in London a year later. She also contributed to the 4×100 team’s triumph.
Track coach Craig Poole, who worked with Bowie both early in her career and subsequently, described her as having a “very enthusiastic, sparkling personality.” She was very enjoyable to work with.
On social media, the track and field community expressed its sorrow at Bowie’s passing. Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, a sprinting prodigy from Jamaica, wrote on Twitter: “My heart hurts for the family of Tori Bowie. both a fierce rival and a light. Your enthusiasm and smile will never leave me. Peace be with you.
American hurdler Lolo Jones continued, “Too young. I was devastated to learn about Tori Bowie. Amazing talent. a lovely runner. I appreciate you for bringing her into our lives and pray for their comfort. The running community is in deep mourning.
Olympic long jump medalist Brittney Reese commented on Facebook: “I’m so heartbroken about this… Thank you for honourably representing our state of Mississippi; you have made a lot of us proud. RIP.
When Bowie was a baby, her grandma adopted her after being abandoned at a foster home. She regarded herself as a basketball player and only unwillingly turned up for track, but Bowie was a quick study who, before entering college, won state championships in the 100, 200, and long jump.
2015’s Worlds bronze medal in the 100-meter event marked her first significant international medal. She remarked after winning that “my entire life, my grandmother told me I could do whatever I set my mind to.”
Icon Management posted a photo of Bowie raising her hands in the form of a heart on Twitter. We’ve lost a client, beloved friend, daughter, and sister, the management company wrote. Tori was a champion and a shining example of the truth. Our prayers are with the family and friends since we are genuinely heartbroken.
