Ugandan Olympian Cheptegei set ablaze by boyfriend
A Ugandan marathon runner has sustained severe burns following an alleged attack by her boyfriend.
Rebecca Cheptegei, who placed 44th in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is currently receiving treatment for burns covering 75% of her body after being assaulted in her home in Trans Nzoia County, western Kenya.
According to reports from the Kenyan newspaper, The Star, Cheptegei is in a critical condition.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander, Jeremiah ole Kosiom, stated on Monday that Cheptegei's boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, purchased a can of petrol, doused her with it, and set her on fire during a disagreement on Sunday.
Ndiema also suffered burn injuries, and both he and Cheptegei are receiving treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
Cheptegei’s parents revealed that their 33-year-old daughter had purchased land in Trans Nzoia to be close to the county’s numerous athletic training centres.
A report filed by the local chief indicates that the couple were heard arguing over the land on which the house was built before the fire broke out.
Cheptegei 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, according to the Paris Olympics website.
She also finished 14th in the marathon at the 2023 World Championships.
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