The tragic demise of Rebecca Cheptegei, a celebrated Ugandan Olympic athlete, has sent shockwaves through the global sports community.
Cheptegei, 33, succumbed to severe burns, accounting for 80% of her body, at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city, Kenya. The injuries were the result of a brutal attack by her partner last Sunday.
As reported by The Guardian, Owen Menach, a spokesperson for the hospital, confirmed Cheptegei's death on Thursday. The incident has sparked outrage and condemnation, particularly from the Uganda Olympics Committee. Its President, Donald Rukare, expressed his grief and anger in a social media post, stating, We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei following a vicious attack by her boyfriend. May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.
The horrific incident unfolded when Cheptegei's partner, Dickson Ndiema, reportedly purchased a container of petrol, doused her with it, and set her ablaze. Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Trans-Nzoia County police commander, shared these chilling details with the Standard newspaper in Kenya. He added that Ndiema, who also sustained severe burns in the incident, was being treated at the same hospital as Cheptegei.
Cheptegei's parents revealed that their daughter had purchased land in Trans-Nzoia, drawn by the proximity to the country's numerous athletic training centers. A local police report suggests that a dispute over this land may have precipitated the fatal altercation.
Cheptegei's athletic prowess was well recognized. She placed 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics last month and 14th at the previous year's world championships in Budapest. In 2022, she clinched victory in the mountain race at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand. Her untimely death underscores the urgent need to address violence against women, a blight that transcends borders and social strata.
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