Olympic champ Tori Bowie’s mental health struggles were no secret inside track’s tight-knit family

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Olympic gold medal-winning sprinter Tori Bowie’s struggles with bipolar disorder were known within the close community of track and field. This mental health condition was even noted in her autopsy report after her tragic death at the age of 32, during complications of childbirth. Those within her circle knew of Bowie’s mental health difficulties, and they surfaced in various incidents in her Florida neighborhood. Her former coach, Al Joyner, expressed that perhaps people did not treat her condition with enough seriousness.

Bipolar disorder can often be managed with medication and therapy, but studies suggest that a significant portion of those affected face severe challenges. Although Bowie had access to mental health services through U.S. Olympic organizations, officials stated that she did not use these services in the time leading up to her death. They also indicated that her mental health might have influenced her handling of a complex pregnancy, which she faced largely alone.

Disturbing signs of Bowie’s mental state were apparent, with neighbors observing her sleeping in public places and expressing concern to the U.S. Olympic committee. Bowie’s agent, Kimberly Holland, however, dismissed the need for help, despite Bowie’s insistence on not delivering her child in a hospital. Authorities were called to her house due to alarming smells, and a lawsuit had been filed regarding foreclosure on her property.

Her autopsy showed no signs of illegal substances or foul play, but highlighted her concerning weight of 96 pounds, even in late pregnancy, and complications related to childbirth. These complications are noted to be more common among Black women, and Bowie was the third member of her Olympic relay team to suffer from them, though she was the only one to die.

Bowie’s death was a significant blow to the track-and-field community, with many feeling the tragedy might have been avoidable. Her life story, marked by being raised by her grandmother, was one of constant striving, often feeling that her achievements were never enough. Her career was indeed a success story, with multiple Olympic medals and a reputation in fashion and modeling.

However, a less glamorous side emerged through social media posts and a physical altercation with a training partner, which led to a fallout with her coach and agent. Her relationship with her coach never recovered, and her performance began to decline. There was an acknowledged stigma attached to mental illness, and despite the U.S. Olympic committee’s increased mental health resources, Bowie never seemed to engage with them.

Her former coach, Joyner, reminisces about Bowie’s talent, believing she could have been one of the all-time greats, and fondly remembers her smile. Her life and career were filled with triumphs, but also challenges, and her struggles with mental health illustrate the complex reality that many athletes may face behind the scenes. Her story also underscores the importance of understanding and addressing mental health issues, not just in the world of sports, but for everyone.

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