Athletics Kenya said it was "distraught to learn about the death" of the two-time World Championships bronze medallist

In a statement, it said the 25-year-old athlete was found at her home in Iten after apparently being stabbed, but was trying to find out more details.

© Reuters Kenya's Agnes Tirop following her bronze medal finish in the 10,000m in Doha in 2019

Iten, a town in western Kenya, is renowned as a training base for distance runners.

The statement added: "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.

"We pray that God may grant strength to family and friends at this difficult time."

Last month, Tirop broke the world record in the women-only 10km road race in Germany.

Tirop also won bronze medals in the women's 10,000m at the 2017 and 2019 World Championships, and finished fourth in the 5,000m at this year's Tokyo Games.

Her career took off when she won the world cross-country title in 2015 at the age of 19 to become the second-youngest champion ever.

Athletics Kenya said she also won the Africa Cross-Country Championship in 2014 in Kampala, Uganda, along with a junior cross-country title in Poland in 2013.