Late Olympic Sprinter Tori Bowie's Heartwarming Words About Motherhood Amid Pregnancy Complications

By Lucia Paula , Parent Herald Jun 15, 11:57 am

Photo: (Photo : Matthias Hangst/Getty Images)

Tori Bowie, the Olympic sprinter and former fastest woman in the world, had expressed her excitement about becoming a mother just two weeks before her tragic death from pregnancy complications. Her agent and close friend, Kimberly Holland, recounted their final conversation, in which Bowie giggled with joy and discussed her anticipation for this new chapter in her life.

Autopsy Report: Pregnancy Complications Cited in Tori Bowie's Untimely Death

However, instead of celebrating the arrival of her child, Bowie's life was cut short at the age of 32. She was found dead on May 2 in her Winter Garden, Florida, home, and an autopsy report revealed that she had died from complications related to childbirth. According to NBC News, the report indicated that there were no signs of foul play or drug involvement but cited respiratory distress and eclampsia as potential factors contributing to her death. Eclampsia, a rare and severe pregnancy-related condition, is more prevalent in black women and can include seizures or coma.

While Bowie had not publicly announced her pregnancy, she had confided in Holland about her excitement. The autopsy also disclosed Bowie's medical history of bipolar disorder, but Holland emphasized that Bowie seemed incredibly happy in their final conversation. Their bond went beyond a typical athlete-manager relationship, with Holland considering Bowie a father figure.

Holland had expressed concerns about Bowie's well-being during her pregnancy, as Bowie had never been a big eater and seemed dismissive of prenatal appointments. She had even offered to have Bowie stay with her in Atlanta to ensure she received proper care and nutrition. The autopsy revealed that Bowie, who stood at 5 feet 9 inches tall, weighed just 96 pounds at the time of her death.

Allyson Felix Speaks Out on Maternal Health Crisis Following Tori Bowie's Death

Despite Holland's worries, she believed Bowie would have been a loving and exceptional parent. Holland had witnessed Bowie's gentle nature and affection toward her own daughter over the years, describing Bowie as having an abundance of love to give.

According to The Guardian, the details surrounding Bowie's death, including the exact date, remain unclear. Eclampsia can occur suddenly and without warning, with symptoms such as severe headaches, vision problems, mental confusion, or altered behavior. Bowie's passing has shed a spotlight on the issue of maternal mortality in the United States. The country has higher maternal mortality rates compared to other developed nations, and black mothers are three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Tori Bowie was an accomplished athlete, reaching the pinnacle of her career when she claimed the title of fastest woman in the world at the 2017 IAAF World Championships in London. She had also won multiple Olympic medals, including gold as part of the U.S. women's 4x100 relay team at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Bowie's former coach, Craig Poole, praised her dedication, raw talent, infectious personality, and radiant smile.

Bowie's teammate, Allyson Felix, who has been vocal about her own traumatic childbirth experience, expressed her heartache over the racial disparities in maternal health. In a tweet, Felix called for more action to address the black maternal mortality crisis in the United States.

Tori Bowie's untimely death has left a void in the world of athletics and has raised important conversations about the challenges and disparities surrounding maternal health care. Her memory will live on as that of a talented athlete and a woman who had so much love to share with her unborn child.