Ugandan Olympian Benjamin Kiplagat has reportedly been stabbed to death in Kenya. World Athletics confirmed the death of the 34-year-old long-distance runner, while Kenyan police have launched an investigation.
Kiplagat was reportedly found dead in a car near the Kenyan town of Eldoret on Saturday. His body was located with stab wounds to his neck and chest.
Eldoret has training facilities for athletes.
“An investigation has been launched,” said local police commander Stephen Okal. “Officers are on the ground pursuing leads.”
World Athletics wrote on X: “World Athletics is shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Benjamin Kiplagat. We send our deepest condolences to his friends, family, team-mates and fellow athletes. Our thoughts are with them at this difficult time.”
Kiplagat specialised in the 3,000-metre steeplechase and was regarded as Uganda’s greatest athlete in the discipline. He represented Uganda in many major events and participated in three Olympic Games.
His Olympics debut came aged just 19 at Beijing 2008. Kiplagat raced at London 2012 and in Rio in 2016. However, he was absent for the postponed Tokyo Games in 2021.
MORE TO FOLLOW
We’ll be bringing you the very latest updates, pictures and video on this breaking news story.
For the latest news and breaking news visit: express.co.uk/sport/football. Stay up to date with all the big headlines, pictures, analysis, opinion and video on the stories that matter to you.
Follow us on Twitter @dexpress_sport – the official Daily Express & Express.co.uk Twitter account – providing real news in real time.
We’re also on Facebook @dailyexpresssport – offering your must-see news, features, videos and pictures throughout the day to like, comment and share from the Daily Express, Sunday Express and Express.co.uk.
