Photo Credit: FERENC ISZA | AFP via Getty Images
The tragic death of Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has sparked widespread outrage and discussions about domestic violence against female athletes. The Olympic runner was set alight by her ex-boyfriend, which has shocked many. As the investigation unfolds, questions arise about the circumstances leading to her death and the broader implications for athlete safety.
Here’s a look at the details of the incident, the response from the athletics community, and the ongoing fight against violence targeting women in sports.
Rebecca Cheptegei passes away at 33, claims report
Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Olympic runner, tragically died after her ex-boyfriend set her on fire in north-west Kenya, where she lived and trained.
The attack, reportedly caused by a land dispute, left Cheptegei with severe burns. She later died from her injuries at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret (via BBC). Her ex-partner also sustained burns and is in intensive care. Police have launched an investigation. This incident has raised concerns about increasing violence against female athletes in Kenya.
Dr. Owen Menach, head of the hospital, confirmed that Cheptegei died after her organs failed. Eyewitnesses reported hearing the couple arguing before the attack. During the incident, the ex-boyfriend was seen pouring a flammable liquid on Cheptegei and then setting her alight. This horrific act has drawn outrage from Uganda’s Athletics Federation and the Olympic Committee. Both organizations have condemned the violence and are demanding justice.
Cheptegei, a respected athlete, finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics and won gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships. She recently built a home in Trans Nzoia County, near Kenya’s training centers, showing her dedication.
Her death mirrors the tragic fates of fellow East African athletes Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, who were also murdered in acts of domestic violence. These incidents highlight a disturbing pattern of abuse against female athletes in the region. They have sparked urgent calls for increased protections and measures to prevent such senseless tragedies in the future.
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