Olympic Sprinter Alex Quinonez Shot Dead In Alleged 'Assassination'

Alex Quinonez has been shot dead in the Ecuadorian city of Guayaquil, authorities have confirmed.

According to reports from local police, the former Olympic sprinter was found dead at around midnight on Friday following an alleged shooting, the Daily Mirror describing the events as an "assassination".

Now disturbing new footage has emerged on social media showing a car pull up near a group of people on the street and opening fire on them before making an escape.

It's understood Quinonez was among that group.

PA

Upon hearing the sad news of the athlete's death, Ecuadorian President Guillermo Lasso insisted the crime will nit go "unpunished".

"We offer our sincerest condolences to his family," Lasso tweeted.

"May he rest in peace. Those who take the lives of Ecuadoreans will not remain unpunished. We will act with force."

Tragic news of the 200m world championships bronze medallist's death sent the country of Ecuador and the wider athletics community into mourning.

Tributes came flooding in, paying respects to the talented sprinter while also showing support to his family.

"With great sadness, we confirm the murder of our sportsman Alex Quinonez," the country's Sports Ministry tweeted.

"We have lost a great sportsman, someone who allowed us to dream, who moved us... he was the greatest sprinter this country produced."

Roberto Ibanez, president of the Guayas Sports Federation, tweeted: "My heart is totally shattered, I can't find words to describe the emptiness I feel.

"I can not believe it, until when are we going to continue living so much evil and insecurity!

"Rest in peace dear Alex, I will miss you all my life."

Topics: olympics, Ecuador, Athletics, Australia

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry