The Ugandan marathon runner has represented her country at both the Paris Olympics and the World Championships in Budapest.
Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in a critical condition in hospital after she was allegedly doused with petrol and set on fire by her ex-boyfriend.
The 33-year-old, who represented Uganda at the recent Paris Olympics and last year’s World Championships in Budapest, was attacked at her home in Endebes, Western Kenya.
Cheptegei suffered burns to 75% of his body and was reportedly rescued by neighbors when the incident took place (September 1).
Trans Nzoia District Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told reporters that the alleged assailant also suffered serious burns.
He added: “It was heard how husbands were arguing near their house. During the argument, the boyfriend was seen pouring liquid on the woman before setting her on fire.”
A report filed by the local administrator of the region said that the ex-boyfriend attacked Cheptegei over a disagreement over where his house was built.
Rebecca Cheptegei in Budapest (River)
After learning of the attack, the Uganda Athletics Federation announced. “We regret to inform you that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who participated in the Olympic Games, has sustained serious injuries and has been hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, Eldoret. This follows the incident of his Kenyan friend pouring petrol on him and setting him on fire.”
Competing in the marathon at the Olympics and World Championships, Cheptegei also won a gold medal at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
She is the latest victim of attacks on female athletes in Kenya.
Back in October 2021, Agnes Tirop, a two-time world 10,000m medalist and women-only 10km world record holder, was found stabbed to death.
After his murder, Angels of Tirop was founded – an organization founded by Kenyan athletes and the Tirop family to stand together against gender-based violence.
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