Shawn Barber: The Olympian who tragically died aged 29

Some athletes' stories leave the sports world in tears. Such was the case for Shawnacy Campbell Barber, known as Shawn Barber, who died in January 2024, aged 29.

Having competed at the 2016 Olympics in Rio, Barber was one of the best pole vaulters in the world during his peak. Now, during the 2024 Paris Olympics, we can take a look back at his life and career.

The Canadian athlete was a world pole vault champion in 2015, Olympic finalist in Rio 2016 and holder of Canada's national record with 6.00 metres.

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It was his representative agency, Doyle Management Group, who confirmed the tragic event in a statement shared on social media.

Photo: Instagram - @doylemanagement

"A friend who will never be forgotten. Shawn Barber has passed away. He will be missed," read a statement, which did not provide details on the cause of death.

Photo: Twitter - @AthleticsCanada

However, Canadian media report that the athlete died at his home in Kingwood (Texas) due to complications resulting from a health problem, without specifying exactly what it was.

Speaking to the AP, Paul Doyle, the athlete's agent, confirmed that the death occurred on Wednesday, January 17, but did not provide details on Barber's health problems.

“In addition to being an incredible athlete, Shawn was a kind-hearted person who always put others before himself,” the agent commented.

“It is tragic to lose such a good person at such a young age,” concluded John Doyle.

Barber, in addition to his sporting successes, made sporting history after testing positive for a recreational substance just a few days before the start of the Rio de Janeiro 2016 Olympic Games.

The athlete claimed to have kissed a person who had possibly taken the substance before meeting him for a date. The relevant bodies accepted Barber's version of events. He participated in the Olympics, reaching the pole vault final, but without obtaining a medal.

Five-time Canadian national champion, three-time NCAA champion, he retired from competitions in 2020. Nonetheless, the world of athletics will not forget him and mourns the passing of this very young champion.

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