Just a month ago, Rebecca Cheptegei was at the Paris Olympics, competing in the women's marathon for Uganda. No one in their wildest dreams could have imagined that the long-distance runner would be charred to death by her former partner.
In a tragic turn of events, 33-year-old Cheptegei, based in Kenya, was attacked by her boyfriend after a disagreement over land, who then doused her in petrol before setting her alive on fire at their home.
The runner was then admitted to a hospital in the Kenyan Rift Valley city. As per the medical report, She suffered 80% of burns at the time of hospitalization, which led to multiple organ failure, eventually leading to her death on September 5.
The accused, her former boyfriend has also suffered 30% burns and is admitted in the ICU.
Rebecca Cheptegei recently competed at the Paris Olympics in the women's marathon event where she finished at the 44th position.
Reacting to Rebecca's demise, IOC President Thomas Bach asserted that her involvement in the Games brought her inspiration, pride, and joy, so it was shocking and deeply saddening to hear about her death and the terrible attack on her.
This is not the first case of domestic violence against athletes in Uganda.
In October 2021, Olympian runner Agnes Tirop was found dead in her home, with multiple stab wounds to the neck. Her husband was charged with the crime and that case is still ongoing.