World-Champion Pole Vaulter Shawn Barber Dies at the Age of 29
World-champion pole vaulter Shawnacy “Shawn” Barber, who holds Canada’s pole vault record, has tragically passed away at the young age of 29. His agent, Paul Doyle, confirmed the devastating news in an Instagram post on Thursday.
Barber died from medical complications at his home in Kingwood, Texas, on Wednesday. It is a heartbreaking loss for the world of athletics and all those who knew and admired him.
Describing Barber as more than just an incredible athlete, Doyle said, “Shawn was such a good-hearted person that always put others ahead of himself. It’s tragic to lose such a good person at such a young age.”
Barber had been battling poor health for some time after falling ill, according to a statement by the University of Akron Department of Athletics. He was a student-athlete in the track and field program at the university from 2013 to 2015.
Shawn Barber is survived by his parents, Ann and George, a former Canadian pole vaulter and pole vault coach, and his brother, David. The dual U.S.-Canadian citizen spent his youth between Toronto and New Mexico. He was born in New Mexico and learned the sport of pole vaulting as a child on the farm where his family lived, using his dad’s old equipment. Barber first competed in pole vaulting at the age of seven.
Barber’s passion for the sport was evident from a young age. In 2012, when he was the U.S.’s best high school pole vaulter, Barber said, “I didn’t really understand it. I saw it as a game, something to do to pass the time hanging at the barn. I still see it as fun, but I also see it as something that can take me places.”
And take him places it did. Barber went on to achieve remarkable success in his career. He became the NCAA indoor champion in 2014 and 2015, as well as the outdoor champion in 2015. The University of Akron’s athletics department described Barber as a well-liked teammate and competitor with a distinguished collegiate career.
In 2015, Barber won gold medals at the Pan American Games in Toronto and at the World Championships in Beijing. His victory in Beijing marked Canada’s first world medal in pole vaulting since 2003 and brought home the country’s first athletics world title in over a decade.
Barber continued to push boundaries and set records. At the 2016 Pole Vault Summit in Reno, Nevada, he set Canada’s record clearance at an impressive six meters (19 feet, 8 ¼ inches).
Despite facing challenges, Barber remained resilient and determined. In 2016, he competed in the Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, where he aimed for gold. Although he faced adversity after testing positive for a trace amount of cocaine, which he claimed to have accidentally ingested, Barber still managed to secure a respectable tenth place finish.
Beyond his athletic achievements, Barber made headlines in 2017 when he came out as gay in a social media post. He embraced his identity and became an inspiration to many within and beyond the world of sports.
Barber’s love for pole vaulting stemmed from its purity and the challenge it presented. In a 2017 interview, he shared, “It’s a very pure sport and it’s very easy to measure. It takes a little bit of craziness sometimes to do it, and not everybody can handle it.” He emphasized the importance of dedication and hard work in reaching the top.
The passing of Shawn Barber is a tremendous loss to the sporting community. His talent, determination, and kind-hearted nature will be deeply missed. Let us remember him for his incredible achievements and the joy he brought to the world of pole vaulting..
