‘In total shock’: Tributes pour in as Olympic medallist dies at 29

Tributes have flooded in for an Olympic and World Championship medallist after he was killed in a car crash at just 29.

Tributes have poured in for Olympic medallist Deon Lendore after the 29-year-old died in a car crash.

The Sun Lendore won bronze as part of Trinidad and Tobago’s 4x400m relay team at London 2012. He later competed in the individual 400m at Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020.

The sprinter is understood to have been killed in a smash where he trains in Texas.

The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee paid tribute to their athlete in a statement.

It read: “Words cannot adequately express our sadness at the devastating and untimely loss of three-time Olympian and Olympic and World Championships bronze medallist Deon Lendore, who has been an inspiration and motivation to us all both on and off the track.

“Deon has flown the Trinidad and Tobago flag with pride, honour, patriotism and an indomitable will throughout his career while helping and inspiring many.

Lendore won bronze with the Trinidad and Tobago relay team in 2012. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

“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.”

Lendore also notched a relay silver medal at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing.

He was a student athlete at Texas A&M University and clocked a 400m personal best of 44.36 seconds back in 2014.

Jamaican runner Natoya Goule wrote on Instagram: “I’m in total shock Deon. You broke my heart.”

American shot-putter Darrell Hill added: “RIP Champ. Thank you for all the laughs and good vibes man.”

This article first appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission