Canadian world champion pole vaulter Shawn Barber passed away at the age of 29, according to his agent Paul Doyle. Barber set the Canadian record for the men’s pole vault in January 2016, and he achieved notable successes in his career, including winning a gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games and earning the top spot at the IAAF World Championships in Beijing later that year.
Barber, a former member of the University of Akron’s track and field team, was a three-time NCAA championship winner during his college years. The university issued a statement remembering him as “a well-liked teammate and competitor,” expressing condolences for the loss of a talented athlete and a good-hearted person.
The pole vaulter made his Olympic debut at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games, reaching the final, which was eventually won by Thiago Braz of Brazil. Barber’s best vault of 6 meters remains the Canadian record.
Barber’s agent mentioned that he had been experiencing poor health for some time, and the University of Akron’s statement noted that he had fallen ill. Barber’s untimely passing is a loss to the athletic community, and he is remembered not just for his remarkable achievements but also for his character and kindness. He is survived by his family, including his brother David, his mother Ann, and his father George.