The death of runner star Agnes Tirop has shed light on the conditions for female runners in Kenya, where many have to pay a high price for their success in a male-dominated society. Tirop, who recently finished fourth in the 5,000 meters in Tokyo, was killed just over a week ago. Her husband is in custody on suspicion of murder.
Many believe that especially young women in Kenya are at risk of being exploited by coaches, agents and even by their loved ones. Former marathon world record holder Tegla Loroupe says agents are paying parents to force female running talents to leave school prematurely to start competing abroad. “There are so many wolves out there who see them as prey,” says Tegla Loroupe.
Mary Keitany, who has been a training colleague with Tirop, describes the situation for female runners in Kenya. “A woman is expected to give birth and soon after lose weight so she can compete again and put food on the table for the whole family. While the men are just waiting to rake in the fruit of the women’s toil. This must be stopped, ”she says.
Kenya has previously tried to protect women activists by providing two training places only to women. The Kenyan Athletics Federation has now invited to a conference in December where the issues will be discussed.
– .
