Canadian Pole Vaulter Shawn Barber Dies at 29
Shawn Barber, Canada’s greatest pole vaulter, passed away on Wednesday due to medical complications. The talented athlete, who was only 29 years old, had been battling poor health for some time, as confirmed by a statement from the University of Akron. The exact cause of his death has yet to be determined.
Remembered not only for his incredible athletic abilities, but also for his kind-hearted nature, Shawn Barber was hailed as a selfless individual who always put others before himself. His agent, Paul Doyle, expressed his grief, stating, “It’s tragic to lose such a good person at such a young age,” in an interview with the Associated Press on Thursday.
A Stellar Career
Barber’s career was nothing short of extraordinary. During his time at Akron, he achieved remarkable success, setting national records and securing three NCAA championships. His talent also shone on the international stage.
In 2015, Barber made a name for himself by clearing 5.80 meters, tying Lázaro Borges’ Pan American Games record from 2011. Just days later, he broke Canada’s national record by soaring over 5.93 meters at a Diamond League meet in London.
The pinnacle of his achievements that year came at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, where Barber clinched the world title by clearing 5.90 meters. This victory marked Canada’s first track and field world championship since 2003 and solidified Barber’s status as an international force to be reckoned with heading into the 2016 Olympic year.
Barber continued to push his limits in 2016, reaching a personal best of 6 meters in January, a height that remains the Canadian national record. Although he finished fourth in the World Indoor Championships and placed 10th at the 2016 Summer Olympics, his legacy as a trailblazer in Canadian pole vaulting remained intact.
Collegiate Success
During his time at Akron, Barber achieved numerous accolades. In 2014, he became the first Akron Zip to claim an individual national title when he triumphed at the NCAA Indoor Championship. Notably, he outperformed Sam Kendricks of Ole Miss, who went on to set the American pole vault record.
Barber’s dominance continued into the following year, as he secured both the indoor and outdoor titles at Akron. His remarkable performances earned him a spot as a finalist for the prestigious Bowerman Award, which recognizes the best collegiate track and field athlete of the year.
Shawn Barber’s untimely death leaves a void in the world of pole vaulting and Canadian athletics. His achievements and impact will be remembered for years to come, and his legacy will serve as an inspiration to aspiring athletes.
(Photo: Cameron Spencer / Getty Images)
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