The Olympic 5000m finalist has died aged 31 in Arizona

The athletics community has paid tribute to Olympic runner David Torrence, who has been found dead in a swimming pool in Arizona at the age of 31.

The versatile athlete, who had PBs ranging from 1:45.14 for 800m to 13:16.53 for 5000m, was the American indoor 1000m record-holder, having run 2:16.76 in 2014, and he went on to represent Peru at the Rio Olympic Games last summer, placing 15th in the 5000m final.

In 2014 Torrence also formed part of the world record-breaking 4x800m relay team alongside Duane Solomon, Erik Sowinski and Richard Jones (pictured above, Torrence second from left). Earlier this month he ran in the 1500m heats at the IAAF World Championships in London.

According to a local news affiliate, Torrence had been training in Scottsdale and was found at the bottom of a community swimming pool at a condo complex on Monday morning.

Sgt. Ben Hoster of the Scottsdale Police Department was quoted as saying: "Firefighters removed the male subject from the pool and he was pronounced deceased.

"Detectives learned that there were no obvious signs of foul play."

On Twitter, USA Track & Field wrote: "Devastating news. USATF sends its condolences to family & friends of American indoor record holder David Torrence."

The track world lost a great friend and athlete today. Rest in peace, David Torrence. pic.twitter.com/iaCtDuFErk

— USATF (@usatf) August 29, 2017

Britain's Andrew Butchart, who formed part of that Rio 2016 Olympic 5000m final alongside Torrence, was among those to pay tribute on social media and wrote: "Can't stop thinking about that smile @David_Torrence. Thoughts and prayers with your family."

While two-time Olympic 1500m medallist Nick Willis wrote: "No one was more dedicated to their running than @David_Torrence. He got 100% out of himself every day. So so sad to hear of his passing."

Gabe Grunewald, who has inspired many with her own story, wrote: "I am absolutely broken hearing about @David_Torrence. One of the best humans I've ever met, I will miss him deeply."

American record-holder Molly Huddle wrote: "Such sad news. When I think of David Torrence he's smiling, brightening a room, passionately chasing down dreams, being a force for good. RIP."

Solomon - pictured above, left - wrote: "I feel so gutted for my track family at the loss of David. Praying for comfort to his family, close friends and entire running community."