Canadian Pole Vault Record Holder Shawn Barber Dies at 29

Canadian pole vaulter Shawn Barber, renowned for his remarkable athleticism and titles, tragically passed away at the age of 29 due to medical complications, leaving the sports world mourning the loss of a true champion. Barber’s agent, Paul Doyle, confirmed that the unfortunate incident occurred at his home in Kingwood, Texas. While the exact cause of death remains unknown, Barber had been battling health issues.

More than just an exceptional athlete, Shawn Barber was renowned for his compassionate and selfless nature, always prioritizing others’ well-being. Doyle expressed his grief, stating, “It’s tragic to lose such a good-hearted person at such a young age.”

Though born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Barber had strong Canadian roots as his father, George, hailed from Ontario. This led Barber to split his time between the United States and Canada, ultimately representing the latter on the international stage.

Impressively, Barber held the Canadian record in the men’s pole vault, soaring to a height of 6.00 meters in January 2016. His extraordinary achievements included winning the 2015 World Championships in Beijing, China, with a mark of 5.90 meters. Additionally, he clinched the NCAA outdoor title in 2015 while competing for the University of Akron, securing back-to-back indoor titles that season. The same year, Barber also claimed his title as the Canadian champion.

Barber’s prowess extended to the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, where he reached the final in the pole vault event, ultimately won by Brazil‘s Thiago Braz. His remarkable vault of six meters (19 feet, 8 ¼ inches) on January 15, 2016, in Reno, Nevada, remains the Canadian record.

Survived by his mother, Ann, his father, George, and his brother, David, Shawn Barber leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the world of sports and a profound impact on those who knew him.