OLYMPIC gold medal star Tori Bowie was heavily pregnant before her death, her neighbors have said.
The track and field star, 32, was found dead in Florida on Tuesday.
Bowie won three medals at the 2016 Rio Olympics, including gold in the 4×100 relay.
Two neighbors told DailyMail.com that it looked like the sprinter was around seven to eight months pregnant when she died.
One said: “She was a thin woman and it looked like she had half a basketball under her shirt.”
Cops found Bowie in her suburban Orlando home following a welfare check.
Officers said that the woman had not been heard or seen in recent days.
Cops have not revealed Bowie’s cause of death but have said there doesn’t appear to be any foul play.
Bowie also picked up a silver medal in the 100m and a bronze in the 200m events at the Rio Games.
She excelled at World Championships held in London in 2017, collecting gold in the 4x100m relay and 100m sprint.
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Bowie last competed at the World Championships in Qatar in 2019.
Tributes from the sporting world were paid to Bowie following her death.
American world champion Noah Lyles wrote: “I can’t believe this.
“I had just heard word of her going to be with her sister back home and now this.
“This breaks my heart to hear, and I will keep the family in my prayers.”
Legendary track and field star Allyson Felix said: “Still processing this incredibly sad news. Having trouble even wrapping my head around it.
“It was a joy and honor to be Tori’s teammate. I’m lifting Tori’s family and loved ones up in prayer. Her sweet spirit will be missed.”
Kenyan javelin superstar Julius Yego tweeted: “So devastating and shocking to learn of the passing on of Tori Bowie.
“The world of athletics have lost a great champion and patriot of the sport, rest in peace, Tori.
“Condolences to the greater family of Tori Bowie, together in prayers.”
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Sprinting legend Shelly-Ann Fraser Price said: “My heart breaks for the family of Tori Bowie. A great competitor and source of light. Your energy and smile will always be with me.”
The USA Track and Field governing body described Bowie’s impact on the sport as “immeasurable.”
Source: Athletics - thesun.co.uk
