Tragic Loss: Remembering the Life and Legacy of Olympic Champion Tori Bowie

Tori Bowie, an Olympic medalist, passed away at the age of 32. Icon Management, her management firm, shared the heartbreaking news via Twitter on May 3. In their statement, they described Tori as a champion, a dear friend, a daughter, and a sister. They also acknowledged her as a beacon of light whose radiance was undeniable. The firm expressed their deep sadness and offered their condolences to Tori's family and friends.

ESPN reported that a welfare check was conducted by the Orange County Sheriff's Office in Orlando, Florida at the home of a woman in her 30s who had not been seen or heard from in several days. The individual was later identified as Bowie by the police officers who found no signs of foul play. In the wake of her passing, many of her fellow athletes have paid tribute to her legacy in the athletic community.

Lolo Jones expressed her sadness on Twitter upon hearing the news of Tori Bowie's passing, describing her as an incredible talent and beautiful runner. Jones also extended her prayers for the comfort of Bowie's family and acknowledged the loss felt by the running community. Team USA's official Twitter account also released a statement, mourning the passing of Bowie and recognizing her as a respected friend, teammate, and representative of the country. The statement concluded with sincere condolences to all who knew and loved her.

At the 2016 Olympic Games, Bowie achieved an impressive feat by winning gold, silver, and bronze medals in different track and field events. In addition to this, she had also secured two World Championships. Reflecting on her first major track meet four years earlier, Bowie humorously recounted feeling overwhelmed and anxious. Despite her nerves, she pushed through and gave it her all once the competition began.

Bowie, who regarded the 200-meter dash as her preferred race, drew inspiration from track icon Florence Griffith Joyner.

According to Bowie, "Flo-Jo definitely sets the bar high." Speaking to Vogue, she praised Joyner for her ability to remain calm both before and during races. Bowie hoped to emulate this sense of relaxation in her own performances, explaining that running had taught her the value of patience, which she believed was a valuable trait in all aspects of life.

The autopsy report released on June 12 disclosed that Bowie was in labor and eight months pregnant at the time of her death. The report cited respiratory distress and eclampsia as the potential factors that contributed to her passing. Eclampsia is a medical condition that triggers seizures in pregnant individuals and can progress to a coma. It typically emerges from preeclampsia, which can lead to high blood pressure and damage to the organs. According to the Cleveland Clinic, only a small percentage of preeclampsia cases, less than 3 percent, advance to eclampsia.

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Olympic Gold Medalist Frentorish ‘Tori’ Bowie Dead at 32: 5 Things to Know About the Late Athlete

Olympic medalist Frentorish “Tori” Bowie has died. She was 32.

Icon Management announced the heartbreaking news of Tori Bowie’s passing, expressing their deep sorrow over losing a client, dear friend, daughter, and sister. Bowie was a true champion and a shining beacon of light. The firm extended their heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of the late athlete. According to ESPN, the Orange County Sheriff’s Office responded to a welfare check call concerning a woman in her 30s who had not been seen or heard from in several days. The individual was later identified as Bowie, and the police officers found no indications of any foul play.

Several of Tori Bowie's fellow athletes have publicly spoken about her lasting legacy in the athletic community following her passing. Lolo Jones took to Twitter to express her grief and admiration for the incredible talent and beautiful runner that Bowie was. She expressed her condolences to the family and thanked them for blessing the world with Bowie's presence. The running community is mourning an incredible loss.

The official Twitter account of Team USA has issued a statement expressing their condolences on the passing of Tori Bowie, a three-time Olympic medalist. Along with USA Track & Field and the entire Olympic community, they mourn the loss of a great representative of Team USA who was admired as a friend and teammate. Bowie had won a gold, silver, and bronze medal in various track and field events at the 2016 Olympic Games, in addition to two World Championships, making her an accomplished athlete. Her passing is a great loss for all who knew and loved her.

During her first major track meet four years ago, Bowie found herself overwhelmed with emotions and anxiety. She jokingly recalled feeling frustrated and not ready for the challenge ahead. However, as soon as she stepped onto the starting line, she knew it was time to give it her all. Bowie's favorite race was the 200-meter dash, and she drew inspiration from track legend Florence Griffith Joyner.

Bowie admired Flo-Jo's ability to stay calm both before and during races, and hoped to emulate this mindset in her own running. Through her experience as a runner, Bowie learned the importance of patience, a trait she believed could benefit her in all aspects of life. Tragically, an autopsy revealed that Bowie was eight months pregnant and in labor at the time of her death, with possible complications of respiratory distress and eclampsia. Eclampsia is a rare but serious condition that can cause seizures and comas in pregnant individuals, and can develop from a prior condition known as preeclampsia.

Scroll below to learn more about the late athlete:

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What Sport Did Tori Bowie Compete In?

Bowie was a track and field athlete, where she competed in the long jump, 100-meter and 200-meter events.

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When Did Tori Bowie Win a Gold Medal at the Olympics?

The late runner, who also had earned a silver and bronze medal, earned her only gold trophy during the 2016 Games in Rio de Janeiro after competing for Team USA in the 4x100m relay race.

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When Was Tori Bowie’s Death Announced?

News broke on May 3 that Bowie had been found dead in her Orlando, Florida, house.

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Where Was Tori Bowie From?

Bowie hails from Sand Hill, Mississippi, where she was raised by her grandmother alongside sister Tamarra Bowie.

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What Did Tori Bowie Say About Her Training?

According to her, the key to becoming stronger is by achieving balance in all aspects of life. As she shared with The Guardian in August 2017, “I think my favorite [tip] is balance work. Because my therapist always tells me that I can’t get stronger unless I’m balanced, and that’s something I focus on a lot when I’m training.” When asked about how she stays motivated, she emphasized the importance of remembering one's goals and focusing on the task at hand, especially during challenging times. “You know what, I think we all have moments when we struggle with motivation. Especially when it’s early in the season. But we just have to try and remember what it is we are trying to achieve, and try to get the job done regardless.”