Olympic Medalist Tori Bowie Discovered Deceased in Florida

Tori Bowie, the notable sprinter who clinched three Olympic medals at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, has passed away at the age of 32. The announcement of her untimely demise was made on Wednesday by her management company and USA Track and Field. The cause of her death still remains unknown as there was no disclosure made on the same.

USA Track and Field CEO, Max Siegel issued a statement regarding Bowie’s death: “USATF is deeply saddened by the passing of Tori Bowie, a three-time Olympic medalist and two-time world champion. A talented athlete, her impact on the sport is immeasurable, and she will be greatly missed.” The track and field community is shaken by the sudden loss of the athlete, who had been nothing short of inspirational.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office in Orlando, Florida, an inquiry for a woman in her 30s who had been absent and out of contact for several days was made. Consequently, deputies responded Tuesday afternoon to a house in the region and found a woman, provisionally identified as Frentorish “Tori” Bowie, dead in the home. However, there were no signs of foul play.

Growing up in Sandhill, Mississippi, Bowie was coerced into track as a teenager and rapidly progressed in becoming a sprinter and long jumper. She enrolled for Southern Mississippi, wherein she swept the long jump NCAA championships at both the indoor and outdoor events in 2011.

At the 2016 Rio Olympics, Bowie delivered a stunning performance and won silver in the 100-meter dash and bronze in the 200-meter dash. She went on to run the anchor leg on the 4×100 team, consisting of Tianna Bartoletta, Allyson Felix, and English Gardner, thereby securing the gold. A year later, she won the 100-meters event at the 2017 world championships in London. The 4×100 teams were also led to gold by the athlete.

Track coach Craig Poole commented on Bowie’s passing: “She was a very enthusiastic, sparkling personality. She was really fun to work with.” The track and field community have been mourning the loss of the iconic athlete and have taken to social media to express their condolences. Jamaican sprint sensation Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce and U.S. hurdler Lolo Jones paid tribute to Bowie on Twitter.

Bowie, who was raised by her grandmother after being left at a foster home when just an infant, started as a basketball player and reluctantly entered the field of track. However, she soon developed as a fast learner and even went on to become a state champion. Her first major international medal was a 100-meter bronze at Worlds in 2015, and upon winning, she said, “My entire life, my grandmother told me I could do whatever I set my mind to.”

In a tribute to the late athlete, Icon Management tweeted a picture of Bowie holding up her hands in the shape of a heart and wrote, “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.”

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