Tori Bowie was the last American woman to win gold in the 100m major championship, as a clip of her joy at becoming the world’s fastest in 2017 is shared following her death
- Tori Bowie was delighted to be the ‘fastest woman in the world’ after her victory in London
- Her death was announced on Wednesday, with tributes pouring in from trackmates
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
Six years before her death, American sprinter Tori Bowie won gold at the 2017 World Championships and enjoyed her new title of ‘fastest woman in the world’ in an interview at the time.
Bowie’s death at the age of 32 was announced Wednesday, bringing the life of the Olympic gold medalist and Mississippi native to a tragic end.
But with her performance at the 2017 World Championships in London, she remains the last American woman to win gold in a major 100-meter race, and she’s beaming with excitement in a clip taken shortly after her win.
“It still feels a little surreal right now,” she said. Like I know it happened, but it hasn’t really sunk in yet. And I just think it’s because I’m still in work mode, still focused, still trying to focus on the next event.
“Yes, I’m the fastest woman in the world,” she continued, laughing. “Oh my god, I’ve been waiting years to say that.”
Tori Bowie crosses the finish line to win the women’s 100m final ahead of Elaine Thompson in 2017
Bowie was elated after winning the women’s 100 meters for the United States in 2017
Bowie won gold in that event by holding off Marie-Josee Ta Lou of Ivory Coast in second place and Dafne Schippers in third place.
A year earlier in Rio, Bowie helped Team USA retain the Olympic gold in the 4x100m relay by running the anchor leg and beating Jamaican Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce.
According to Runner’s WorldBowie had not competed since June 4 of last year, when she finished 5th in a 200-meter race in Florida.
Bowie was found dead at her home in Winter Garden on Tuesday. Her cause of death has yet to be made public.
On social media, her grieving sister hinted at mental health issues.
“People who pretend to be happy have some of the saddest souls, and people who don’t try to convince the world they are happy have the most sincere souls, because they are content to be them for them and no one else.” she said. in a Facebook post.
Tori with her sister Tamarra, who hinted at mental health issues that were to blame for her death
Aaliyah Brown, Allyson Felix, Morolake Akinosun and Tori Bowie of the US (left) pose with the medals in London in 2017
American record holder and three-time world champion Noah Lyles led the Bowie tribute online.
He responded to her management agency’s statement on Twitter, saying, “I can’t believe this.
“I just heard she’d be at her sister’s house and now this. This breaks my heart to hear and I will keep the family in my prayers.”
One of Bowie’s competitors, Jamaican Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce also paid tribute, tweeting, “My heart breaks for Tori Bowie’s family.
‘A major competitor and source of light. Your energy and smile will always be with me. Rest in peace.’