Team USA Olympic gold medalist Tori Bowie dies aged 32
Ali Condon
Featured Image Credit: Erik Pendzich/Shutterstock/Heuler Andrey/Agif/Shutterstock
Olympic medallist and track and field athlete Tori Bowie has passed away aged just 32, her management has confirmed.
The athlete's representatives, Icon Management, and USA Track and Field confirmed the shocking news on Wednesday, 3 May.
"We’re devastated to share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away," read a statement from Icon Management.
"We’ve lost a client, dear friend, daughter and sister. Tori was a champion…a beacon of light that shined so bright!
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"We’re truly heartbroken and our prayers are with the family and friends."
Meanwhile, a post from World Athletics read: "World Athletics is deeply saddened by the passing of Tori Bowie, the 2017 world 100m champion and multiple Olympic medallist.
"Condolences go out to her family and friends."
The cause of the late athlete's death has not yet been confirmed.
Tori, who was raised by her grandmother in Mississippi, competed in the long jump, the 100m, and the 200m, and was a three-time Olympic medalist.
While competing in Team USA's relay team at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio, Brazil, Tori and her team won the gold.
That same year, she won silver in the 100m and bronze in the 200m.
Tori went on to win a gold medal the following year at the World Athletic Championships in London, both in the relay and in the 100m.
Before she started picking up gold medals all over the world, Tori attended University of South Mississippi on an athletic scholarship for track and field.
During her time there, Tori earned two long jump gold medals and the NCAA Women's Indoor Track and Field Championship.
The athlete earned her first major medal in 2015 at the World Athletic Championships in Beijing.
For a time, she was widely regarded as the fastest woman in the world.
Upon hearing the devastating news of Tori's sudden passing, pro athletes have been paying tribute to the late track and field star.
Fellow track and field sprinter Noah Lyles wrote: "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."
Meanwhile, Kenyan javelin star Julius Yego commented: "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."