Track Star Passes Away at 21

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Publication by EssentiallySports

August 04, 2026 | Edition #657

Hey Athletic Fans,

Tonight's edition opens with heavy news: the track community is mourning the loss of a rising star, gone far too soon at just 21. Tributes have been pouring in from teammates and rivals alike, a reminder of just how much impact one athlete can have in a short career.

Elsewhere, on a different note, Noah Lyles is leading a new wave of sprinters closing in on records once thought untouchable from the Bolt era. Get the full story in today's edition of Essentially Athletics.






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Marileidy Paulino stole the show, firing off an incredible split to power the Dominican Republic to gold at the CAC Games in Santo Domingo. Watch below 👇


On August 4, 1936, Jesse Owens won his second gold of the Berlin Games, beating Germany's Luz Long in the long jump with an Olympic record 8.06m. Watch his incredible jump here.

The two competitors became close friends despite the political backdrop. Long had even personally coached Owens through a qualifying jump earlier that day. Their friendship extended beyond the Games, as the pair stayed in touch until Long's death in World War II.


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