The TSL Leadership Series focuses on men and women of color who are blazing a trail through the world of sports. Athletes, coaches, executives and media personalities are some of those who are leading the charge and driving success both on and off the field of play.
The only reason why you might have missed Tori Bowie in the Olympics this year is because she was blazing past you on the TV screen. Well don’t fret as we were able to slow her down so she could sit with us to talk about her Olympic experience and her plans for the future.
Born in Sand Hill, Mississippi, Bowie is a proud, small town girl. She was a track and field state champion in high school, winning the 100m, 200m and long jump twice, and took home three state titles in the 4×100. Her talents earned her a scholarship to the University of Southern Mississippi, where she would go on to championship success in, interestingly enough, field events such as the long jump and triple jump.
She turned pro in 2013, competing in national events and getting better each year, eventually winning the 100m at the 2015 USA Outdoor Track & Field Championships and winning a bronze medal in the World Championships that same year in the 100m. This past year was her biggest to date as she made the Olympic team and blazed her way to three medals: a silver in the 100m, a bronze in the 200m and a gold in the 4×100.
It’s been an amazing journey for the always smiling, small town girl from Mississippi, and fortunately for everyone her journey is just beginning. She’s now become an inspiration for so many, especially young girls who aspire to work as hard and achieve as much. She’s now become a leader because she’s leading the future of USA Track & Field, and with young talent like her, the team and the sport have a bright future ahead of them.
