Tori Bowie's legacy cannot die

Photo by Shinnosuke Ando on Unsplash.com

Frentorish “Tori” Bowie was a powerhouse as an athlete. During her time in track and field, Bowie racked up countless medals and awards that each showcased her power and skill in the field. Sadly, Bowie died of childbirth complications in early May.

Bowie represented Mississippi with pride, having been a Sand Hill, Mississippi native who attended Pisgah High School. At Pisgah, Bowie had a fervent interest in basketball, and had even found her love for track and field entirely by accident. Bowie competed in the 100 meters, 200 meters, 4x100-meter relay and long jump, where they won three state championship titles. After graduating from Pisgah High School in 2008, Bowie attended the University of Southern Mississippi, where she became the two-time NCAA Division I long-jump champion.

After graduating with an interdisciplinary degree in psychology and social work, Bowie started competing nationally. Bowie competed in the United States Outdoor Track and Field competitions before reaching the Olympic Trials in 2016. From there, Bowie moved on to the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro.

History was made in Rio for Bowie. Representing the United States, she competed alongside Allyson Felix, English Gardner and Tianna Bartoletta. Bowie won the silver medal in the 100 meter event and the bronze medal in the 200 meter event. Bowie and her teammates earned the gold medal in the women’s 4 x 100 relay event.

Bowie continued to compete in track and field championships after the Olympics. She won the gold medal for the 100-meter dash in the 2017 World Athletics Championship in London, England.

Slowly, Bowie began to fade out of the public eye to focus on her personal life, something she kept incredibly private.

Tragedy struck on May 2, 2023, when it was announced that Bowie had been found dead in her home. She had been dead since April 23. An autopsy reported that she had died from childbirth complications, specifically eclampsia, respiratory distress and high blood pressure. Bowie’s child was stillborn.

Bowie’s death brings light to a greater issue. Mortality rates in pregnant black women are dangerously high. Most of it is accredited to racism and neglect from medical officials. A recent study found that black people are three times more likely to die during childbirth than white people. These rates have only risen in the past five years. The question rises: how many more black people will die before something changes?

Bowie’s life ended far too early, tragically surprising everyone. But Bowie’s legacy will never fade. Her achievements in track and field brought attention to a woman who had worked hard all of her life. Bowie’s legacy must never be forgotten, and something must change so these deaths can be prevented.

From a small Mississippi town to the biggest athletic event in the world, Bowie left a lasting impact that Mississippians—and the world—will never forget.

Originally published in the Rankin County News