World Record Holder; Agnes Tirop Reportedly Stabbed To Death
Kenyan Olympian and world record holder Agnes Tirop has been found dead at home.
The Long-distance runner and Tokyo Olympics star; Agnes Jebet Tirop, Kenya’s two-times World Championship bronze medallist, was found allegedly stabbed to death at her home, Athletics Kenya said on Wednesday.
The 25-year-old represented Kenya in the 5,000m event at the Tokyo Olympics and finished fourth in the finals after clocking 14:39.62.
“Athletics Kenya are this afternoon distraught to learn about the untimely death of World 10,000m bronze medallist Agnes Tirop,” the country’s athletics body said in a statement.
“We are still working to unearth more details surrounding her demise. Kenya has lost a jewel who was one of the fastest-rising athletics giants on the international stage, thanks to her eye-catching performances on the track.”
In September, Tirop smashed the women-only 10km world record in Germany, crossing the line in 30:01 to shave 28 seconds from the previous record held by Morocco’s Asmae Leghzaoui from 2002.
Tirop began her career as a junior athlete in 2011, winning two bronze medals in the 5,000m at that year’s world junior championships. She won bronze medals at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships in the 10,000m event and also won the 2015 World Cross Country Championships.
The two-time World Athletics Championships bronze medallist, who finished fourth in the Olympic 5,000m final two months ago, was 25.
Tirop was found dead at their home in Iten. We are still working to unearth more details surrounding her demise.”
“I urge our law enforcement agencies led by the [National Police Service Kenya] to track down and apprehend the criminals responsible for the killing of Agnes so that they can face the full force of the law,” added Kenyan president Uhuru Kenyatta.
A report by RunnersWorld, as well as the press release from Athletics Kenya, states that Tirop’s husband was allegedly involved in her death.
Kenyan police are still investigating the circumstances surrounding her death, with crime scene investigators at her house on Wednesday.
May her soul rest in peace, Amen.
