The former Olympic and world champion sprinter, Tori Bowie , died on Wednesday. She was 32.
Her Management Company Revealed The News
The firm that represented Bowie, Icon Management, Inc., first revealed the news in a tweet .
They Shared The News On Twitter
They wrote, “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.”
She Was Found Dead At Her Home
According to the Associated Press , she was found dead at her Winter Garden home on Tuesday.
Someone Requested A Welfare Check
She was discovered around 1 pm, according to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, when someone requested a welfare check at her residence over the phone.
No One Knows If She Was Living With Someone
It’s unknown if Bowie lived alone in the house where she was discovered yesterday.
No One Knows The Reason For Death
Her management business, Team USA, and the Olympics all issued statements of grief on Wednesday, but no cause of death was disclosed.
Her Sister Gave A Hint
But her heartbroken sister pointed to mental health issues on social media by sharing a message.
Her Post On Facebook
She wrote on Facebook, “People who pretend to be happy have some of the saddest souls and people who do not try to convince the world that they are happy have the most genuine souls, because they are content with just being them for them and nobody else.”
Her Mother Abandoned Her
Bowie was raised in Sand Hill, Mississippi. Her mother abandoned her and her sister in foster care when she was a baby.
But Bowie’s Grandmother Adopted Her
But their biological grandmother eventually adopted them.
She Started Competing In School
She began competing as a track athlete while attending Pisgah High School.
Bowie Was Encouraged By Her Family And Faith
In a video released following her meteoric rise to fame, she stated that she had battled her entire life but was encouraged by her family and faith.
Struggle Since Day One
“I come from a small town called Sand Hill, Mississippi. Where I come from, we’re not supposed to succeed. It’s been a struggle since day one. My birth mom dropped me off in foster care when I was two years old,” she said.
Her Professional Sporting Career
Bowie participated for the University of Mississippi’s track and field team, earning a two-time NCAA champion in the long jump event before beginning her professional sporting career.
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Medals Won By Her
She represented Team USA at the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, where she won a silver medal in the 100-meter dash, a bronze medal in the 200-meter dash, and a gold medal with her teammates in the 100-meter relay.
Bowie Also Did Modeling
Bowie performed some modeling work outside of sports. She modeled for Valentino and posed for ESPN The Magazine’s Body Issue.
Bowie In Black Sequin Jumpsuit
Bowie wore a black sequin jumpsuit while walking the red carpet at the 2018 ESPYs in Los Angeles.
Tribute By Noah Lyles
Noah Lyles, a three-time world champion and US record holder, led the tributes to Bowie.
Tweet By Him
He replied to her management agency’s Twitter statement, “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.”
