Rebecca Cheptegei: Ugandan Olympic athlete dies after being doused in petrol and set on fire by boyfriend
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Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died after she was severely burned by her partner over an alleged land dispute.
The marathon runner, 33, was taken to hospital in Kenya after she was doused in petrol by her boyfriend on Sunday, police said.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation posted on X: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.
“As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.”
Donald Rukare, Uganda’s Olympic Committee chief, added: “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.”
Speaking to Kenyan news outlet The Star, Dr Owen Menach, acting director of the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, said “we lost her after all her organs failed” on Wednesday night.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said on Monday Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, bought a can of petrol, poured it on her and set her on fire during a disagreement.
Ndiema also sustained burn wounds and was admitted to the same hospital, police said.
Cheptegei’s parents told The Star their 33-year-old daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the country’s many athletic training centres.
A report filed by the local chief says the couple were heard fighting over the land where the house was built, before the fire started.
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Ms Cheptegei recently competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th.
According to the Paris Olympics website, she qualified for her Olympic debut in the marathon after setting a personal best of 2.22.47 at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in December 2022.
The president of the International Olympic Committee said her participation had been a source of “inspiration”.
“We are shocked and deeply saddened to learn about Rebecca Cheptegei’s death following the horrible attack against her. Rebecca’s participation in the Paris 2024 women’s marathon was a source of inspiration, pride and joy,” Thomas Bach said.
“Our hearts and thoughts go out to her family, in particular her children, her friends and the Olympic community in Uganda.”
Ms Cheptegei also recently finished 14th in the marathon at the 2023 World Championships.