Canadian world champion Shawn Barber passes away at 29

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Pat Quinn
January 19, 2024 (8:16)

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Sad news for Canada today as Canadian pole vaulter and 2015 world champion, Shawn Barber, has passed away from medical complications. He was just 29.

Barber was born in Las Cruces, New Mexico, but he held dual citizenship being Canadian-American. His father, George Barber, was born in Kincardine, Ontario. The family split time between Canada and the U.S.A., mainly in Toronto.

He set many records in his time as a pole vaulter, including being the Canadian record holder in the men's pole vault at 6.00 metres in January 2016. Barber won Canada's first athletics world title in 12 years, and its first-ever worlds pole vault medal, in Beijing, China, during the 2015 world championships. His mark was a fantastic 5.90.

Barber's win came just a month after winning his third of his five Canadian titles. He had also just won Pan American Games gold in Toronto at that time.

Paul Doyle, Barber's agent, confirmed to The Associated Press. He also issued a statement:

"More than just an incredible athlete, Shawn was such a good-hearted person that always put others ahead of himself. It's tragic to lose such a good person at such a young age."

Canadian women's pole vaulter Alysha Newman wrote on Instagram:

"I wish I could say heaven received another angel but if I'm being honest it was way too soon," she wrote. "Shawn, my teammate, my dear friend and confidant. I'm honoured to have been in the same walk of life as you."

Athletics Canada posted on Twitter/X:

"Our thoughts and prayers to the family and friends of Shawn Barber, Canadian Pole Vaulter � 2015 World Champion, Rio 2016 Olympian and Canadian Record Holder"

You can tell Barber touched a lot of lives. Rest in Peace to the great Canadian athlete.

As Read On CBC News

Canadian world champion pole vaulter Shawn Barber dead at 29 from medical complications