Tori Bowie, the U.S. Olympic gold medalist and world champion sprinter, was found dead Tuesday at her home in Florida. She was 32.
Bowie’s cause of death was not immediately revealed. USA Track & Field and Bowie’s management company announced her death Wednesday.
“We’re [devastated] to share the very sad news that Tori Bowie has passed away,” said her agency, Icon Management. “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.”
Bowie won a gold medal, a silver medal and a bronze medal at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro. The next year, she was crowned fastest woman in the world after winning the 100 meters at the World Championships in London.
“My heart breaks for the family of Tori Bowie,” fellow Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce wrote on Twitter. “A great competitor and source of light. Your energy and smile will always be with me. Rest in peace.”
Born Frentorish Bowie on Aug. 27, 1990, in Sandhill, Miss., Bowie was raised by her grandmother after she was left in foster care at age 2.
Bowie played basketball and ran track in high school, initially as a long jumper. But in 2013, she started sprinting, and in 2014, she qualified for the 100-meter finals at the U.S. Championships.
She eventually qualified for the 2016 U.S. Olympic team, something she later called “the biggest thing I’ve ever accomplished.”
At the 2016 Games in Rio, she took silver in the 100 meters, bronze in the 200 meters and gold in the 4×100-meter relay. The next year, she won World Championship gold in the 100 meters.
In a 2016 interview with People magazine, Bowie said, “One day I hope that I can come to Sandhill and there’s a huge sign that says ‘Welcome to Sandhill, Home to Tori Bowie.’”
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