Shawn Barber was a Canadian pole vaulter who won the gold medal at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, China. He also won the gold medal at the 2015 Pan American Games in Toronto, Canada. He competed at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he finished 10th. He set the Canadian record for the men’s pole vault at 6 meters in 2016, which still stands today. He was a three-time NCAA champion at the University of Akron, where he studied business administration. He was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, and had dual citizenship of the United States and Canada. He was the son of George Barber, a former pole vaulter who coached him throughout his career.
How did Shawn Barber die?
Shawn Barber died at his home in Kingwood, Texas, on January 17, 2024, from medical complications, according to his agent Paul Doyle. He was 29 years old. Doyle did not reveal the exact cause of death, but said that Barber had been experiencing poor health for some time. He said that Barber had fallen ill and had been hospitalized several times in the past year. He also said that Barber had been struggling with depression and anxiety, and had sought professional help.
How did the sports world react to Shawn Barber’s death?
Shawn Barber’s death shocked and saddened the sports world, especially the pole vault community. Many of his fellow athletes, coaches, and fans expressed their condolences and tributes on social media and in interviews. Some of the messages were:
- Renaud Lavillenie, the French pole vaulter who holds the world record and won the silver medal at the 2015 World Championships behind Barber, tweeted: “I can’t believe it… Shawn Barber was a great champion and a great person. He was always smiling and friendly. He will be missed by the whole pole vault family. Rest in peace, my friend.”
- Dennis Mitchell, the former coach of Barber at the University of Akron, told the Akron Beacon Journal: “He was extremely smart and the nicest guy ever. He was always willing to help others and share his knowledge. He was a leader and a role model for our team. He was like a son to me.”
- Athletics Canada, the national governing body for track and field in Canada, released a statement saying: “We are deeply saddened by the passing of Shawn Barber, one of the greatest pole vaulters in Canadian history. He was a world champion, an Olympian, and a national record holder. He was also a beloved teammate, friend, and family member. Our thoughts and prayers are with his loved ones during this difficult time.”
- The University of Akron, where Barber attended from 2013 to 2015, also issued a statement saying: “We are heartbroken by the loss of Shawn Barber, a well-liked teammate and competitor who made history as the first male individual national champion in Zips history.
- He was a phenomenal athlete and a remarkable student who earned his degree in business administration. He was a proud Zip who represented our university with excellence on and off the field. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends, and the entire pole vault community.”
What is Shawn Barber’s legacy?
Shawn Barber’s legacy is that of a talented and successful pole vaulter who achieved remarkable feats in his sport. He was one of the few athletes who broke the 6-meter barrier, which is considered the elite level of pole vaulting.
He was also one of the youngest world champions in history, winning the gold medal at the age of 21. He inspired many young pole vaulters in Canada and around the world with his passion, dedication, and performance. He was also a kind and generous person who cared about others and gave back to his community. He supported various causes, such as mental health awareness, environmental protection, and animal welfare. He was a friend that will never be forgotten.
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