In a sombre second in Canadian sport, the information of the demise of Shawnacy “Shawn” Barber shocked the athletics world on Thursday. The 2015 world pole vault champion has left followers and athletes grieving and will likely be remembered as top-of-the-line vaulters on the earth and certainly one of Canada’s most revered athletes within the sport. He was 29.
Many athletes from around the globe paid tribute to the previous world champion, remembering the mark he left on the game and the hearts of all who knew him.
Alysha Newman (Canadian Olympian and girls’s pole vault document holder)
The Canadian girls’s pole vault nationwide document holder and 2018 Commonwealth Video games champion wrote on Instagram: “Shawn, my teammate, my pricey buddy and confidant. I’m honoured to have been in the identical stroll of life as you. To many, Shawn is called one of many biggest male Pole Vaulters of all-time, however to me, Shawn modified the best way I lived life. With Shawn round there was by no means a foul day. With him, heaviness was lightened, tears changed into laughter and on each unhealthy leap day, he had two drinks in hand to assist move defeat. These weren’t even one of the best elements of Shawn. Shawn was so selfless. He would go above and past to ensure everybody round him was good earlier than he was. He by no means missed a “thanks” or a gesture to point out folks how grateful he was for his or her assist,”
Mondo Duplantis (world and Olympic pole vault champion)
Katie Nageotte (Olympic pole vault champion)
Nageotte shared on her Instagram story: “Whereas we weren’t shut lately, he performed a big half in my pole vault journey that helped me get the place I’m immediately. You received’t be forgotten Shawn.”
Melissa Bishop-Nriagu (Canadian 800m document holder)
Paul Doyle (Barber’s agent)
“Extra than simply an unbelievable athlete, Shawn was such a good-hearted one that at all times put others forward of himself. It’s tragic to lose such particular person at such a younger age,” wrote Doyle.
Thiago Braz (Brazilian pole vaulter and 2016 Olympic champion)
Barber’s profession was highlighted by a gold medal for Canada on the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, the place he soared to a top of 5.90 metres. His accolades additionally embody a gold medal on the 2015 Pan American Video games in Toronto and a bronze medal on the 2014 Commonwealth Video games in Glasgow. The final time Barber competed was in February 2020.
He’s survived by his mom, Ann; father, George; and brother, David.
