United States athlete Tori Bowie has passed away aged 32. Her representatives, Icon Management, confirmed her tragic death in a statement on social media and tributes have poured in from the world of athletics.
The statement read: “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."
A cause of death has not been released after Bowie was found dead at her home in Florida. Bowie competed in long jump, 100m and 200m and was a three-time Olympic medalist.
She was part of the US relay team which won gold in the 4x100m at the Rio 2016 Olympic games, also winning silver in the 100m and bronze in the 200m in Brazil. Bowie also won two gold medals at the 2017 World Athletic Championships held in London, again triumphing in the relay as well as winning individual 100m gold.
The United States Track and Field team tweeted: "USATF is deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Tori Bowie, a three-time Olympic medalist and two-time world champion. Her impact on the sport is immeasurable, and she will be greatly missed."
US athletics star Noah Lyles also responded with a tribute, writing: "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."
World Athletics said it was "deeply saddened" by her death in an Instagram post whilst former on-track rival Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce said: "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."
Former Great Britain Olympic track and field athlete Jade Johnson wrote on Twitter: "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!"
Olympic javelin star Julius Yego wrote: "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."
Born in Sand Hill, Mississippi, Bowie began competing in track when she attended 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 and part of three 4x100m relay wins.
“I remember just racing everywhere as a child, like in the trees, wherever ... I raced all the time,” she said in an interview with the Guardian in 2017.
She attended the University of Southern Mississippi on an athletic scholarship, competing on their track and field team and winning two long jump gold medals in the NCAA Women's Indoor Track and Field Championship.
Her first major medal came at the World Athletic Championships in Beijing in 2015, where she won bronze in the 100m, before her success in the Rio Olympics the following year. The 2017 World Championships also proved a huge success in London as she raced to 100m victory.
In her interview immediately after the biggest win of her career, she said: "You know what? It kind of feels surreal right now. I know it happened but it hasn't really all sunk in yet.
"Yes, I am the world's fastest woman," she said, laughing as the enormity of that statement hit home. "Oh my god, I've been waiting to say that for years now! I just want to stay humble. Staying humble is most important to me."
