World-Champion Pole Vaulter Shawn Barber Passes Away at 29
World-champion pole vaulter Shawnacy “Shawn” Barber, who holds Canada’s pole vault record, has tragically passed away at the age of 29, his agent confirmed in an Instagram post on Thursday.
Barber passed away from medical complications at his home in Kingwood, Texas, on Wednesday, his agent Paul Doyle informed the media.
“More than just an incredible athlete, Shawn was known for his kind-hearted nature and selflessness,” said Doyle. “Losing such a good person at such a young age is truly tragic.”
Barber had been battling with poor health after falling ill, as stated in a press release 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.
Barber is survived by his parents Ann and George, a former Canadian pole vaulter and pole vault coach, as well as his brother David.
A Remarkable Journey in Pole Vaulting
Shawn Barber, a dual U.S.-Canadian citizen, spent his childhood between Toronto and New Mexico. It was during this time that he discovered his passion for pole vaulting. As a child, he would practice jumping over a ditch on his family’s farm in New Mexico, using his father’s old equipment. Barber’s competitive journey began at the age of seven.
In 2012, when he was considered the best high school pole vaulter in the U.S., Barber described his early experiences with the sport to MileSplit as a game that he enjoyed playing. He saw it both as a way to pass the time and as an opportunity to achieve great things. Little did he know that pole vaulting would take him on an extraordinary journey.
Barber’s talent and dedication propelled him to become the NCAA indoor champion in 2014 and 2015, as well as the outdoor champion in 2015. His achievements at the University of Akron were recognized by the athletics department, which praised him as a well-liked teammate and competitor with a distinguished collegiate career.
