Track and field stars, led by the legendary Usain Bolt, praised tribute to basketball hero Kobe Bryant
Bryant, a legendary player for the Los Angeles Lakers, is widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, died in a helicopter crash on Sunday, 26 January. He was 41-years-old.
Usain Bolt, who shared a photo of him and Kobe, wrote: “Still can’t believe @kobebryant 🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿🙏🏿 #RIP.”
Jamaica’s 2011 World 100m champion, Yohan Blake, also expressed shock at the news.
“Still can’t believe this news,” said Yohan Blake.
Former American athlete Sanya Richards-Ross also commented on Kobe’s death. “I’ve taken an intentional break from social media, but this warrants all our love and prayers…The world has lost a legend, an icon, but Bryant’s loss is unimaginable. Praying for his family and the families of the other lives that were lost in this terrifying accident. #RIPKobe”
American triple jumper, Will Claye, said: “I’m broken.”
“You are a superhero to me. It’s not fair, and I don’t want to believe it. My heart goes out to Vanessa, your girls and your parents. You’ve been getting me through a lot of days lately, and I thank you because only you could really understand the battle I’m in right now. I appreciate you Bean 🙏🏾 Rest easy,” said Claye.
Former American 100m hurdles champion Lolo Jones was at a loss for words.
“I don’t even know what to say, man,” she started out saying.
“The words won’t do justice. I can only pray for the comfort of your friends and loved ones. A lot of people looked up to you for your accomplishments as an athlete, but I was inspired by what you were doing after your career… writing books, directing movies, businesses. You showed that athletes can continue to do great things after retirement. I was honored to have you as a teammate,” said Jones, who shared a photo of herself and Kobe at the Olympic Games.
Wallace Spearmon wrote “#RIP to a legend @kobebryant . Life is short, live it… True Love is eternal; embrace it… Tomorrow isn’t promised, don’t wait… RIP mamba.”
Nike Running posted “Mamba forever.
Our condolences to Kobe and Gianna’s family and everyone involved in today’s tragedy.”
posted Monday January 27th