Rest in peace, Deon Lendore
Trinidad and Tobago athlete Deon Lendore has died in the United States at the age of 29.
U.S. media reported that the three-time Olympian – who won a bronze medal in the 4x400m at the 2012 London Games – was involved in a car crash in Texas.
Lendore was driving home after coaching at Texas A&M university, where he was working as a volunteer coach.
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee released a statement that said Lendore was an “inspiration and motivation”.
It added:Â “Deon has flown the Trinidad and Tobago flag with pride, honour, patriotism and an indomitable will throughout his career while helping and inspiring many.”
A&M athletic director, Ross Bjork, also issued a tribute for Lendore, which read: “Deon Lendore leaves an enormous legacy not only at Texas A&M, but on the world stage.
“It is an unthinkable tragedy and tremendous loss for the track and field community and for Aggies everywhere.
“He was a wonderful representative of Texas A&M Athletics both as a student-athlete and a volunteer coach, and we offer sincere condolences to Deon’s family, teammates and his friends.”
Commonwealth Games 100m champion Michelle-Lee Ahye was one of many athletes to pay tribute.
“The hurt that I’m feeling right now. Fly high babe. You will be missed,” she wrote of her compatriot on Twitter.
While at A&M, Lendore won the prestigious Bowerman Award, NCAA track’s highest individual honour.
He also won won silver in the 4x400m relay at the 2015 world championships in Beijing and claimed individual bronze medals in the indoor world championships in 2016 and 2018.
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