(CMR) Trinidadian Deon Lendore, a three-time Olympian and former track star at Texas A&M University, died in a car crash in Texas on Monday, 10 January. The crash reportedly happened outside Bryan-College Station on Highway 6.
Lendore was a 12-time All-American athlete at Texas A&M and was a part of five indoor and outdoor national championships in 2013 and 2014 as either a solo runner or a part of a relay.
As an Olympian, Lendore represented Trinidad and Tobago in three Olympic games. He was the anchor leg for his country when it won a bronze medal in the 4×400 meter relay at the 2012 Olympics in London.
The Trinidad and Tobago Olympic Committee said in a Facebook post that Lendore was “an inspiration and motivation to us all both on and off the track.”
“Deon has flown the Trinidad and Tobago flag with pride, honor, patriotism, and an indomitable will throughout his career while helping and inspiring many,” the committee said.
Shamfa Cudjoe, the sports minister in the country, sent her condolences, echoing some of the thoughts from the Olympic committee.
“I salute this outstanding athlete for his tremendous contributions to the development and promotion of sports,” Cudjoe said.
“Lendore was truly an inspiration to all of us and has proudly represented this country in the field of athletics. He epitomized hope and joy each time his feet landed on the track. He was indeed a trailblazer, a life gone too soon. We thank him for everything he has done and for giving distinguished and diligent service to Trinidad and Tobago.”
He won silver in the 4x400m at the 2015 World Championships in Beijing before claiming individual bronze medals in the 400m at the 2016 and 2018 World Indoor Championships.
Lendore competed at his third Olympics in Tokyo last year, placing eighth with Trinidad and Tobago in the 4x400m final and reaching the 400m semifinals. Last September, he finished third in the 400m final at the Diamond League in Zurich.
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