Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, has sustained severe burns after an alleged attack by her boyfriend in Trans Nzoia County, western Kenya. The athlete is currently in critical condition, with 75% of her body covered in burns.
According to local reports, the incident occurred during a domestic dispute on Sunday. Police state that Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, doused her with petrol and set her on fire. Ndiema also sustained burn injuries, and both are now receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
Cheptegei’s parents revealed that the 33-year-old had bought land in the area to be close to athletic training centres. A local chief reported that the couple had been arguing over the property before the incident.
Cheptegei had made her Olympic debut in Paris after a personal best of 2:22:47 at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in 2022 and placed 14th at the 2023 World Championships.
