Killing of Olympic runner Agnes Tirop makes Kenya confront scourge of abuse

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The brutal killing of Olympic runner Agnes Tirop last year shows signs of being a turning point for Kenya in finally confronting a scourge of abuse and violence against female athletes that hasn't been spoken about or even acknowledged until now.

Tirop was stabbed to death at her home last October, a month after she set a new world record and two months after running at the Tokyo Olympics. Her partner has been charged with murder in her killing.

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While the tragedy was a brief global headline, it has provoked a much deeper reckoning in Kenya, which has provided the sport with countless champions and tales of triumph. But for years, young female athletes have been abused by partners, coaches and others and their stories have gone untold or been ignored, current and former athletes say. The East African country's track and field authorities also now concede the terrible secret.

Horrified by Tirop's death, athletes are finally speaking out.

Hellen Obiri, Rosemary Monica Wanjiru and Agnes Tirop, from left to right, all of Kenya, compete in the women's 10,000 meters during the World Athletics Championships in Doha, Qatar on Sept. 28, 2019.  (AP Photo/Martin Meissner, File)

"I found the courage because when I saw how my friend Agnes was butchered, it was so painful," said Ruth Bosibori, a teenage sensation 15 years ago before she said her life and career were damaged by an abusive relationship.

Bosibori won the 2007 African title in the 3,000 meters steeplechase aged 19, running barefoot. The same year she finished fourth at the world championships, setting the world junior record. She was set for