Kenyan distance runner Agnes Tirop was found dead in her home, the country's track federation announced on Wednesday. She was 25. The track federation has alleged that Tirop, a two-time world championships bronze medalist, was stabbed by her husband in their home, according to the Associated Press.
"Kenya has lost a jewel," the federation said in a statement.
According to reports, Tirop was found dead in her home in Iten, which is located in western Kenya. It is a town that is famous for serving as a training base for many long distance runners. Kenyan media has also reported that Tirop had stab wounds in her abdomen, but local police haven't announced any details regarding the manner of her death.
Tirop routinely competed in 5,000-meter and cross country running competitions. In 2015, she became the second-youngest ever gold medalist when she finished in first at the IAAF World Cross Country Championships. She also was a junior champion at the African Cross Country Championships in 2014, where she held a record time of 14:50.36 minutes.
Tirop won a bronze medal in the 10,000-meter events at the 2017 and 2019 World Athletics Championships and is th world record holder in the 10-kilometer women's event.
