Tragic news has emerged as Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has reportedly succumbed to injuries sustained in a horrific attack. The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, well-known for her participation in the recent Paris Olympics, was set on fire by her former boyfriend after being doused with petrol. This devastating incident took place shortly after she returned home from church.
Doctors attending to Cheptegei confirmed that she sustained severe burns in the attack, which local authorities are currently investigating. Eyewitness accounts suggest that the incident escalated from a dispute between Cheptegei and her ex-partner regarding a piece of land they had been contending.
This tragic event raises alarms about the growing trend of violence against female athletes in the region, with several recent incidents having fatal outcomes. The Ugandan athletics federation expressed deep sorrow regarding Cheptegei’s death, labeling it an act of domestic violence and urging for justice in her name.
Although Cheptegei’s family has not officially confirmed her death, medical professionals at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital stated that she passed away after her organs failed due to the extensive injuries. In a related development, her former boyfriend is also hospitalized but is reported to be in stable condition.
Witnesses described the altercation, noting that the couple had been arguing outside their residence when the attack occurred. Cheptegei, originally from Uganda, had established her residence in Kenya to be closer to key athletic training facilities.
In response to the tragedy, prominent figures within the Ugandan Olympic committee have paid tribute to Cheptegei, emphasizing that her legacy as a talented athlete will not be forgotten. Her father voiced his anguish and called for justice following this brutal act, which he deemed horrific.
Cheptegei’s athletic achievements include a 44th place finish in the marathon at the Paris Olympics and a gold medal at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022. Her untimely death echoes the recent killings of fellow East African athletes that have highlighted significant issues surrounding domestic violence in athletics.
These incidents raise urgent concerns regarding athlete safety and the need for greater protections against violence in sports communities.
