10 Olympics Players Who Died 2023
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| 10 Olympics Players Who Died 2023 |
1. Greg Foster
Greg Foster, born on August 4, 1958, in Chicago, Illinois, was a trailblazing American hurdler whose career defined excellence and resilience in track and field. A standout at UCLA, he clinched NCAA titles in the 110m hurdles in 1978 and 1980, and the 200m in 1979, setting a 13.22-second 110m hurdles record in 1978 that still stands at UCLA. Foster's international acclaim was solidified with three consecutive World Championship golds in the 110m hurdles (1983, 1987, 1991), making him the first man to achieve this feat. He also earned a silver medal at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, narrowly missing gold by three-hundredths of a second. His personal best of 13.03 seconds, set in 1981, positioned him as the second-fastest hurdler globally at that time. Despite battling amyloidosis—a rare heart disease diagnosed in 2016—Foster remained active in athletics, coaching and mentoring until his passing on February 19, 2023, at age 64. His legacy endures through his records, his induction into the USATF Hall of Fame in 1998, and the countless athletes he inspired.
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| 10 Olympics Players Who Died 2023 |
2.Oleksandr Pielieshenko
Oleksandr Yuriyovych Pielieshenko (January 7, 1994 – May 5, 2024) was a distinguished Ukrainian weightlifter and national hero. Born in Stanytsia Luhanska, Luhansk Oblast, he rose to prominence in the 85 kg weight class, capturing gold at the European Weightlifting Championships in 2016 and 2017. At the 2016 Rio Olympics, he narrowly missed a podium finish, placing fourth with a total lift of 385 kg. His career faced challenges due to doping violations, leading to suspensions from 2013 to 2015 and again in 2018. With the onset of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, Pielieshenko joined the Ukrainian Armed Forces, demonstrating unwavering patriotism. Tragically, he was killed in action on May 5, 2024, at the age of 30, becoming the first Olympian confirmed to have died in the conflict. His death was mourned by the Ukrainian Olympic Committee and the weightlifting community, with national coach Viktor Slobodianiuk honoring him as a hero who exemplified courage both on the platform and the battlefield. Pielieshenko's legacy endures as a symbol of dedication to sport and country.
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| 10 Olympics Players Who Died 2023 |
3. Shaun Pickering
Shaun Desforges Pickering, born on November 14, 1961, in Griffithstown, Wales, was a distinguished British shot putter and a prominent figure in athletics, both on and off the field. The son of renowned athletics coach and BBC commentator Ron Pickering and Olympic long jump medallist Jean Desforges, Shaun inherited a rich sporting legacy. He showcased his versatility early on, excelling in shot put, discus, and hammer throw, and securing multiple Welsh titles in each discipline. His athletic prowess led him to represent Great Britain at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics, where he competed in the shot put, and to earn a bronze medal for Wales at the 1998 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur. Beyond his competitive achievements, Shaun was deeply committed to nurturing future talents. He served as the national heavy throws coach for UK Athletics and was instrumental in supporting young athletes through the Ron Pickering Memorial Fund, a charity established in honor of his father. Under his guidance, the fund provided substantial support to emerging athletes, including assisting a young Mo Farah in acquiring his first pair of running spikes. Shaun's dedication to athletics extended to coaching Paralympic athletes, contributing to Great Britain's success at the London 2012 Paralympics. Standing at 6 feet 6 inches and weighing over 20 stone during his peak, he was affectionately known as a "gentle giant" in the athletics community. Shaun Pickering passed away on May 11, 2023, at the age of 61, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, mentorship, and unwavering commitment to the sport he loved.
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| 10 Olympics Players Who Died 2023 |
4.Tori Bowie
Frentorish "Tori" Bowie, an American track and field athlete, passed away in April 2023 at the age of 32 due to complications from childbirth. Born on August 27, 1990, in Sand Hill, Mississippi, Bowie overcame a challenging early life—having been placed in foster care as an infant before being raised by her grandmother. Initially a basketball player, she discovered her talent for track and field in high school, eventually earning a scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi, where she became a two-time NCAA long jump champion. Bowie's athletic prowess led her to the 2016 Rio Olympics, where she secured three medals: gold in the 4x100m relay, silver in the 100m, and bronze in the 200m. She further cemented her legacy by winning gold in the 100m at the 2017 World Championships in London. In May 2023, Bowie was found deceased in her Florida home. An autopsy revealed she was approximately eight months pregnant and in labor, with complications including respiratory distress and eclampsia—a severe condition related to high blood pressure during pregnancy. Her death, ruled as natural, highlighted the alarming maternal mortality rates among Black women in the U.S., who face a risk nearly three times higher than their white counterparts. Additionally, the autopsy noted a history of bipolar disorder, underscoring the importance of mental health support for athletes. Bowie's untimely passing has sparked conversations about maternal health disparities and the need for comprehensive care for expecting mothers, especially within marginalized communities.
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| 10 Olympics Players Who Died 2023 |
5.Kelvin Cheruiyot
Kelvin Kiptum Cheruiyot, the Kenyan marathon sensation and world record-holder, tragically passed away at the age of 24 in a car accident on February 11, 2024. The accident occurred near Kaptagat, a renowned high-altitude training region in western Kenya. Kiptum was driving when his vehicle veered off the road, collided with a tree, and landed in a ditch. Both he and his coach, Gervais Hakizimana, died at the scene, while a 24-year-old female passenger sustained serious injuries and was hospitalized .Born on December 2, 1999, in Chepsamo, Chepkorio, Kenya, Kiptum emerged from humble beginnings. He made his marathon debut in December 2022 at the Valencia Marathon, recording the fastest debut time ever at 2:01:53. In April 2023, he won the London Marathon with a course record of 2:01:25. His crowning achievement came in October 2023 at the Chicago Marathon, where he set a new world record of 2:00:35, surpassing the previous record held by fellow Kenyan Eliud Kipchoge. This feat made him the first man to run a marathon in under 2 hours and 1 minute in an official race.Kiptum's rapid rise in the marathon world was marked by his unique strategy of maintaining a steady pace before accelerating in the latter stages of the race. He was preparing to compete in the Rotterdam Marathon in April 2024, aiming to break the two-hour barrier, and was also set to represent Kenya at the Paris Olympics .
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| 10 Olympics Players Who Died 2023 |
6.Mike McFarlane
Mike McFarlane, a celebrated British sprinter and esteemed coach, passed away on May 31, 2023, at the age of 63 . Born on May 2, 1960, in Hackney, London, McFarlane rose to prominence in the late 1970s, securing three consecutive English Schools 200m titles from 1975 to 1977 . His athletic prowess led him to represent Great Britain in three Olympic Games. Notably, at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, he finished fifth in the 100m final, competing against legends like Carl Lewis . In the 1988 Seoul Olympics, he clinched a silver medal in the 4x100m relay, running the third leg alongside Elliot Bunney, John Regis, and Linford Christie . One of his most memorable achievements was at the 1982 Commonwealth Games in Brisbane, where he and Allan Wells shared the 200m gold medal in a rare dead heat, both clocking 20.43 seconds . Transitioning to coaching after his competitive years, McFarlane mentored numerous athletes, including Dwain Chambers, Julian Golding, and Jodie Williams . His contributions to athletics were recognized in 2001 when he was appointed an Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) for services to athletics and youth work . McFarlane's legacy endures, reflecting his dedication both on the track and as a mentor to future generations.
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| 10 Olympics Players Who Died 2023 |
7.Tim Lobinger
Tim Lobinger, a pioneering German pole vaulter renowned for his athletic prowess and charismatic presence, passed away on February 16, 2023, at the age of 50 after a prolonged battle with leukemia. Born on September 3, 1972, in Rheinbach, West Germany, Lobinger emerged as a formidable force in pole vaulting during the 1990s and early 2000s. He etched his name in history by becoming the first German to clear the six-meter mark outdoors in 1997, a feat that solidified his status among the sport's elite .Throughout his illustrious career, Lobinger represented Germany in four Olympic Games (1996, 2000, 2004, and 2008) and secured numerous accolades, including a gold medal at the 2003 World Indoor Championships in Birmingham and European Indoor titles in 1998 and 2002 . Despite his Olympic endeavors not yielding podium finishes, his contributions to athletics were profound, both on and off the field. Known for his flamboyant celebrations and candid demeanor, he served as the athletes' spokesperson for the German Athletics Association, advocating for his peers with passion and integrity .After retiring from competition, Lobinger channeled his expertise into coaching, notably serving as an athletic trainer for RB Leipzig from 2012 to 2016 . In 2017, he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukemia.
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| 10 Olympics Players Who Died 2023 |
8.Dick Fosbury
Dick Fosbury, the American high jumper who revolutionized his sport with the invention of the "Fosbury Flop," passed away on March 12, 2023, at the age of 76. Born on March 6, 1947, in Portland, Oregon, Fosbury began experimenting with new high jump techniques during his high school years, seeking to improve upon the traditional methods that didn't suit his physique. His innovative approach involved sprinting diagonally towards the bar and leaping backward over it, a method that defied convention but proved highly effective. This technique gained international attention at the 1968 Mexico City Olympics, where Fosbury clinched the gold medal with a record-breaking jump of 2.24 meters . Initially met with skepticism, the "Fosbury Flop" soon became the standard in high jumping, with the majority of athletes adopting it by the 1972 Olympics. Beyond his athletic achievements, Fosbury was a dedicated advocate for athlete rights and social justice, notably supporting teammate Fred Milton during a racial discrimination incident at Oregon State University . He also served as President of the World Olympians Association and held public office as a Blaine County Commissioner in Idaho . Fosbury's legacy endures, not only in the technique that transformed high jumping but also in his commitment to integrity and innovation in sports.
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| 10 Olympics Players Who Died 2023 |
9.Ralph Boston
Ralph Boston, a pioneering American long jumper and Olympic champion, passed away on April 30, 2023, at the age of 83 in Peachtree City, Georgia. Born on May 9, 1939, in Laurel, Mississippi, Boston rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most influential figures in track and field history. He first gained national attention in 1960 when he broke Jesse Owens' 25-year-old long jump world record with a leap of 8.21 meters (26 feet 11¼ inches), surpassing Owens' mark by three inches. That same year, at the Rome Olympics, Boston clinched the gold medal with a jump of 8.12 meters, narrowly defeating teammate Bo Roberson by one centimeter. Boston continued to excel, setting six ratified world records between 1960 and 1965, and became the first man to jump over 27 feet (8.23 meters). He earned a silver medal at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics and a bronze at the 1968 Mexico City Games, where he also mentored Bob Beamon, who famously shattered the world record with an 8.90-meter jump. Beyond his athletic achievements, Boston served as an administrator at the University of Tennessee and worked as a television sports commentator. His legacy endures as a trailblazer who broke barriers and inspired generations of athletes.
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| 10 Olympics Players Who Died 2023 |
10.Jim Hines
Jim Hines, the trailblazing American sprinter who became the first man to officially break the 10-second barrier in the 100-meter dash, passed away on June 3, 2023, at the age of 76. Born on September 10, 1946, in Dumas, Arkansas, Hines moved with his family to Oakland, California, at the age of six. Initially passionate about baseball, his exceptional speed was recognized by a track coach, leading him to pursue sprinting. He attended Texas Southern University, where he excelled as a sprinter. Hines made history at the 1968 U.S. Championships in Sacramento, recording a hand-timed 9.9 seconds in the 100 meters, marking the first official sub-10-second performance. Later that year, at the Mexico City Olympics, he clinched the gold medal in the 100 meters with an electronically timed 9.95 seconds, setting a world record that stood for 15 years. He also anchored the U.S. 4x100-meter relay team to gold, setting another world record with a time of 38.24 seconds. Following his Olympic triumphs, Hines briefly played professional football in the NFL for the Miami Dolphins and the Kansas City Chiefs but found limited success. After retiring from sports, he worked as a social worker and established a charity in Oakland to support disadvantaged youth. Hines's legacy as a pioneer in sprinting and his contributions to athletics remain enduring.
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| 10 Olympics Players Who Died 2023 |