On May 2, 2023, Tori Bowie, Olympian from Orange County, Florida, was found dead after an extended absence. The results of the wellness check at her home revealed that she had passed away.  The 32-year-old American track and field athlete’s autopsy report indicated that the cause of her demise was complications during childbirth. This included respiratory distress and high blood pressure.

Regrettably, her unborn child did not survive. Teammate Tianna Madison is an Olympic gold medalist and mother who has experienced her own pregnancy complications. She deeply understands the challenges faced especially by African-American women in the United States. Motivated by empathy, Madison aims to unite mothers during this difficult period and address the pressing issues they encounter.

Gold medalist rallies mothers, drives change against systemic challenges

The 37-year-old, a two-time Gold medalist, takes to Instagram, calling upon all mothers for support during this critical time. In her heartfelt post, Madison shares her commitment, stating, “Here’s what I can do…for now.” She guides her followers to the link in her bio, where they find a button labeled “Black Mothers Deserve To Live.” Clicking on it leads to a Google sheet.

With unwavering passion, she implores, “I want anyone and everyone who is a midwife, doula, social worker, or organization committed to combating the unacceptable maternity mortality rate for black women to add your name and services to the list.” She urges her followers to contribute further, stating, “If you know of an organization dedicated to this cause, add them to the list.” 

Promising to make the database available on her personal website, she aims to provide black women with yet another resource for help. Urging for meaningful action, she emphasizes the necessity to go beyond empty promises, affirming the need to genuinely look out for one another. With unwavering clarity, she addresses the systemic issues, recognizing that it is not accurate to label the system as broken, as it is operating exactly as it was designed to. She concludes with a resolute call to action, stating, “Until we infiltrate those systems to the point of systemic change, we SAVE OURSELVES. Let’s get started.” Amidst their shared struggle, Madison and Bowie are not alone.

Athletes unite to combat the maternal mortality crisis

Olympic medalist Allyson Felix, a remarkable 11-time medalist, including 7 golds, joins their plight. In a heartfelt Instagram story, she reveals the shocking truth: “3 of the 4 members of this gold medal relay team almost died or did die during childbirth. It’s heartbreaking.” This revelation sheds light on the ongoing crisis of black maternal mortality in the country. Felix’s disclosure originated from a post by Tianna Tashelle or Tianna Bartoletta, another American athlete.

Read More: “It’s Absolutely Heartbreaking”: Allyson Felix Devastated as Female Olympian’s Death Raises Alarm About Mortality Crisis in Country

Reflecting on their victorious relay team from the 2016 Rio Olympics, Felix discloses that Madison and herself faced the brink of death during childbirth. This revelation resonates deeply with athletes across the sporting world, igniting both devastation and righteous indignation. Their collective mission is to raise awareness, ensuring that no mother, particularly those from marginalized communities, suffers a similar fate.

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