Olympic gold medalist and Mississippi native Tori Bowie dies at 32

Olympic gold medalist and Mississippi native Tori Bowie, 32, has died. Her management agency confirmed the news in a tweet, describing Bowie as a “champion” and “a beacon of light that shined so bright.” However, the cause of her death was not disclosed in the statement.

“We’re devasted 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. pic.twitter.com/ES83SjM7u4

— Icon Management Inc. (@iconmanagement) May 3, 2023

Bowie had won gold in the 4×100-meter relay, silver in the 100m, and bronze in the 200m for the US at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games. She had also won the 100m race at the world championships in London the following year after finishing second in Rio.

Born in Sandhill, Mississippi, Bowie was raised by her grandmother after being left at a foster home as an infant. Although she initially considered herself a basketball player, she eventually became a state champion in the 100m, 200m, and long jump before attending Southern Mississippi, where she swept the long jump NCAA championships at the indoor and outdoor events in 2011.

According to USA Track and Field, Bowie’s impact on the sport was “immeasurable,” and USA Track and Field stated that she would be “greatly missed.”