Tributes pour in for Olympic medallist killed at 29
Tributes to Olympic medallist Deon Lendore have poured in after he was involved in a fatal car crash.
The 29-year-old won bronze at the 2012 Olympics in London as part of Trinidad and Tobago’s 4x400m relay team. He also competed in the individual 400m at the 2016 and 2020 Olympics in Rio and Tokyo, and won silver at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing.
According to The Sun, it is understood that the sprinter died in a crash in Texas, where he trains.
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee issued a statement paying tribute to the athlete, describing him as “an inspiration” to many “both on and off the track”.
“Words cannot adequately express our sadness at the devastating and untimely loss of three-time Olympic and Olympics and World Championships bronze medallist Deon Lendore, who has been an inspiration and motivation to us all both on and off the track,” the statement read.
“Deon has flown the Trinidad flag with pride, honour, patriotism and an indomitable will throughout his career while helping and inspiring many.
“We express our deepest and heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, teammates, coaches, Abilene Club, Community of Arima and all who he would have touched.
“It is a sad day for the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic and Commonwealth Sport Movement.”
Mr Lendore was a student athlete at Texas A&M University, and secured his 400m personal best of 44.36 seconds back in 2014.
Fellow athletes have also taken to social media to share their condolences and pay tribute to Mr Lendore.
Jamaican runner Natoya Goule wrote on Instagram: “I’m in total shock Deon. You broke my heart.”
As we look at @deonlendore final moments of representing #TeamTTO you will see that his final act was one of kindness and service. He wheeled Dwight from the main stadium to the warmup stadium when Dwight couldn’t walk.
Rest Well Deon….Rest Well❤️😭❤️😭 pic.twitter.com/XIRs5yq0sl— Nic-Connor Alexander (@nicconnor) January 11, 2022
Nic-Connor Alexander, a sprinter and fellow member of the Trinidad and Tobago Olympic team, shared a clip of one of Mr Lendore’s final moments with another teammate.
“As we look at @deonlendore final moments of representing #TeamTTO you will see that his final act was one of kindness and service. He wheeled Dwight from the main stadium to the warmup stadium when Dwight couldn’t walk,” he wrote.
“Rest Well Deon…. Rest Well.”
An account for Texas A&M University’s track, field and cross country teams also shared a tribute on Twitter.
“It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of Deon Lendore,” the post read.
“An inspiration and motivator to those around him, the impact he had not only on Aggie track & field, but across the world, will be greatly missed.”
American shot-putter Darren Hill added: “RIP champ. Thank you for all the laughs and good vibes man.”
Image: @deonlendore (Instagram)