Gay Olympian and world champion pole vaulter, Shawn Barber, has tragically passed away. The 29-year-old died at his home in Texas on Wednesday, January 17, having suffered from health issues before succumbing to medical complications.During his time at the University of Akron, Barber earned three NCAA titles for pole valuting.
In 2015, he won the IAAF World Championships in Beijing, and the Pan American Games. He competed in the Rio De Janeiro Olympics in 2016, where he finished in 10th place, and at the AIT International Grand Prix in Athlone the same year where he smashed the stadium’s record.
Additionally, Barber currently holds the Canadian record for longest volt with his personal best of 6.00m. #Throwback to Shawn Barber’s.