(From L to R) Kenya's Rosemary Wanjiru, Israel's Lonah Chemtai Salpeter, Uganda's Rebecca Cheptegei and Kenya's Selly Chepyego Kaptich compete in the women's marathon final during the World Athletics Championships in Budapest on August 26, 2023. (Photo by Ferenc ISZA / AFP)
Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Brutal Petrol Attack in Kenya
Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away, the head of the country’s Olympic committee confirmed on Thursday.
We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY 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… pic.twitter.com/V8Mog3oMOX
— Donald Rukare (@drukare) September 5, 2024
The 33-year-old athlete died after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya, where she was training. Cheptegei, who competed in the Paris Olympics and finished 44th, suffered burns to over 75% of her body in the attack.
This tragic incident marks the third killing of a female athlete in Kenya since October 2021. Cheptegei owned a house in Kenya, where she spent time during her training. According to sources, she and her boyfriend had been in a dispute over the ownership of the house and a piece of land. Although the issue had been reported to the police and they were given time to resolve it, the conflict tragically escalated on Sunday, 1st September, when her boyfriend attacked her.
The National Olympic Committee of Kenya has expressed its condolences to Uganda’s sports fraternity following this tragic event.
On behalf of #TeamKenya we extend our deepest condolences to the Ugandan sports community, family, and friends of Rebecca Cheptegei.
Rebecca’s talent, and perseverance as Uganda’s Women’s Marathon record holder and a Paris 2024 Olympian will always be remembered and celebrated.… pic.twitter.com/k3hNYB9WOP
— TeamKenya (@OlympicsKe) September 5, 2024
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