World record runner Agnes Tirop was controlled and exploited for several years by her coach and husband, who is suspected of murdering her, according to a number of people. Both her agent, Gianni Demadonna, and sponsor, Adidas, knew about her life situation.
Demadonna points out that he did not think the situation would lead to Agnes Tirop’s death, and he says that he had tried to talk to her that she should free herself from the man. But then she told the man about it, who allegedly threatened to transfer her to another agent, says Demadonna. Therefore, he dropped the question and did not alert anyone else either.
Adidas is promising new rules on how to do business with female runners to reduce the risk of them being exploited, but not all agents share Adidas’ beliefs.
The running war is an investigative documentary series in five parts about doping, sexual exploitation and suspected murder in the shadow of sports giants. The series is a collaboration between Ekot, Radiosporten and P1 Dokumentär.
Top agent Gianni Demadonna, Adidas boss Spencer Nel and running star Mustafa Mohamed, among others, appear in the episode.
Of: Emelie Rosen
Reporters and research: Emelie Rosén and Alexander Lundholm
Producer: Ylva Lindgren
Final mix: Tor Sigvardson
Do you have any tips? Contact Emelie Rosén here.