Agnes Tirop: AK Says ‘Kenya Has Lost a Jewel’

Athletics Kenya (AK) has sent out a message of condolences to the World 10,000m bronze medalist Agnes Tirop.

AK in a statement said Tirop’s body was found at her home in Iten “after she was allegedly stabbed by her husband.”

While mourning her death, the AK statement said the country has lost a jewel “who was the fastest-rising athletics giants on the international stage, thanks to her eye-catching performances on the track.”

“We pray that God may grant strength to family and friends at this difficult time,” added the statement.

Agnes Tirop’s death has come as a shock to many athletics fans across the globe, as the athlete last week finished second, timing 30:20, at the Valencia Half Marathon.

The athlete who has died aged 25 has a decorated CV which includes a World Cross Country title in 2015 during which she made history as the second youngest medalist at that level.

She also won the Africa Cross Country Championship in 2014 in Kampala, Uganda as well as the World Junior Cross Country Championship in 2013 in Bydgoszcz, Poland.