Iten, Kenya (CNN) – The elation in Martin Tirop’s fists is palpable as Faith Kipyegon secures her third 1,500-meter gold medal at the World Athletics Championships in Budapest. Yet, a twinge of sorrow lingers, as Kipyegon’s triumph invariably resurrects memories of his sister, Agnes, who met a tragic end.
In their formative years, Agnes Tirop and the superstar Kipyegon shared tracks as aspiring athletes, their journey unfolding amidst the fiercely competitive circles of Kenyan running. Martin confides to CNN, “Observing her victory ignites a complex swirl of emotions within me: pride, sorrow… I often wish Agnes were here, participating in Budapest as well.”
Tragically, on October 13, 2021, Martin Tirop uncovered a ghastly scene within his sister’s Kenyan bungalow. Agnes, freshly returned from a race in Switzerland, had become unreachable for days. Following a police alert, Martin entered her abode and discovered her lifeless body near the bedroom entrance, engulfed in a pool of blood.
Agnes bore stab wounds on her neck, her Adidas sports bra and shorts still on. Martin surmises that she was likely gearing up for a run when tragedy struck.
In the echelons of elite running, Agnes was a burgeoning luminary. Just a month after her fourth-place finish in the 5,000 meters at the Tokyo Olympics, she broke the women’s 10km record in Germany in September 2021. Iten served as her training and living base, where her presence was heralded by fans who excitedly waved as she passed by in her white Toyota pickup, gospel music resonating.
Shocked neighbors gathered, their tears mirroring the somber mood, as the 25-year-old champion was solemnly transported on a gurney.
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By- Sahiba Suri