David Torrence is Dead: RIP / Appreciation Thread

Its gotta be said wrote:

I think the Hoka one one Middle distance classic/the oxy High performance meet should be named after him.

Hoka has dropped sponsorship of the event.

so true I was thinking the exact same thing. Torrence was always someone I looked up to because he was unsponsored and had no coach for awhile, but he never gave up and kept fighting to make his dreams a reality, and I think that he has accomplished that in the short time that he had.

If this is true, please post in the separate memorial downhill mile thread:http://www.letsrun.com/forum/flat_read.php?thread=8402945There was talk of doing something on the anniversary in December.

Goldenboy wrote:

In honor of Big Wave Dave, there will be an informal downhill mile in Berkeley this Friday night at 10 PM. Meet in front of I House at the top of Bancroft if you happen to be in the Bay Area and want to commemorate his historic run.

Someone else just did. The one this Friday is being organized by Cal T&F alumni, but all are welcome.

Very sad. Why would he be training in Scottsdale in August? It was 112 degrees yesterday. Training hard or moderately hard in these temps does not seem safe.

I wish I would of known him.

*would have...

David Torrence, along with Nick Symmonds, was the first pro runner I really rooted for.

When I was first getting into running (about 8th grade when I first joined track), I saw some ad about streaming the Adrian Martinez Classic (I think?) so I did because I didn't know much about track yet. I remember the men's 800m coming on and I was so excited because the 800m was my event, you know? Anyway they're introducing the runners and for some reason he just kinda stuck out to me. I liked him. He seemed friendly, cool, fast, and funny, but most of, likeable. Nothing particular stuck out to me about him but I just got a good feeling. I remember cheering for him even though I barely knew his name. He didn't win, not even 2nd if I remember right but that was such a distinct memory of mine.

RIP DT

It is reported that David planned to run the 800, 1500 and 5000 at a meet later this year. He also planned to compete in World Indoor Champs next year and then Peru hosting Pan Am Games in 2019.

I'm so sad over this and still in shock. I feel strange expressing how devastated I feel to people that do not follow the sport or were not familiar with David.

I started following him via letsrun and flotrack when I got to college around 2007. I remember watching the video of him breaking 4 as a senior at Cal. I've pretty much seen every one of his races and interviews since.

He's inspired me in so many ways. I love to run and love to train. I love learning about fitness and new ways to improve - especially in terms of form/neuromuscularly. I was so inspired by all of David's publicized work with Dan Pfaff, Cook, Ponsonby, Leo Manzano, hopping in many training groups to learn etc.

I loved the way he raced. Webb, Ritz, Hall, Lagat, Manzano, Teg, Solinsky get credit for the resurgence of US distance running. Torrence can arguably be in the convo and he is undoubtedly a huge reason the US is so deep. 1:45.1/3:33/1316 is all time great. He was never the clear favorite but always in the hunt in any race. His impact on the T&F as a pure competitor should not be understated.

Lastly his personality and vibe/charisma was infectious. I think that's why I'm so affected by this loss although I didn't know him personally. His spirit and good nature was contagious and inspiring. He seemed like the most chill, friendly, warm, California guy ever. I'm going to live my life inspired by David Torrence and try to be a better person.

Thank you David Torrence. My sincere condolences to his family and friends and to the running community. I hope that his loved ones can find peace in the fact that as an Olympian he inspired many for the better around the world.

its actually not that uncommon for athletes to just drop dead because of cardiac problems. training through illness (like a lot do) is very risky. german 1:44 800m runner rene herms died at the age of 26 because he trained despite having an infection. jumping into cold water can also give you a shock that puts you over the edge, when your system is already under a lot of stress.

Interesting point about cold water. I hadn't heard it before, but here is an article about autonomic conflict:

http://uopnews.port.ac.uk/2012/05/30/scientists-warn-swimmers-of-heart-attack-risk/

Whatever caused his death, it's terribly sad. RIP, David.

Thanks for sharing the article. If the pool was at a condo and it's wide open--I would think the temps of the pool in the summer in the desert to be warm, no?

Didn't know him, but I always enjoyed seeing his interviews and races.

During the London Olympics, his streaming commentary on YouTube was demonstrative of a guy that loved the sport and wasn't afraid to speak his mind. I always rooted for, and respected, the guy from afar.

I'll sincerely miss his presence in the running community, and send my deepest condolences to his family and friends.

Rest In Peace David Torrence

Never going to forget when I met David at St. Vincent Sports and he asked me if he could come to my high schools practice the next day to run with us. It was awesome being able to run with him and we were even Snapchat buddies for a bit. Amazing dude, friendly to everyone, and always wanted to better the situation of others. RIH

This one was really tough to watch... RIP to one of the best role models in athletics.

I guest coached my club's track workout today and had everyone do 4-5 x downhill mile (elevation loss of 20 feet).

I ran into him briefly outside the athletes warmup area at the Boston Grand Prix this year. I didn't see him at first, but someone shouted "Hey David!" and I turned around. Most runners are gracious but clearly annoyed by fan adulation, so I was surprised when he lit up the moment he heard his name. He turned to the group of people who had noticed him and gave them a big hello on his way out, which briefly led me to wonder even if he knew them.

Joe DiMaggio once said about his interactions with fans that "there is always some kid who may be seeing me for the first or last time. I owe him my best." The final time we saw David, he gave us his best.

And I do appreciate the spirit Torrence gave to the sport. :)