Who was Rebecca Cheptegei? Olympic runner died after ‘petrol attack by ex-boyfriend’
REBECCA Cheptegei tragically died when her boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire.
The Ugandan athlete, 33, had recently competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Who was Rebecca Cheptegei?
The Olympian competed in cross country, long distance and marathon events.
Rebecca was born on February 22, 1991, in Uganda and began racing in 2010.
According to her Olympics bio, she was a soldier and trained with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.
The runner’s final competition was at in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics.
She sadly died months later after her ex-boyfriend allegedly attacked her at her home on September 1, 2024.
What happened to Rebecca Cheptegei?
Local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told local reporters that Rebecca and her ex-boyfriend Dickson Ndiema were heard arguing outside their home in western Trans Nzoia County, Kenya.
He said: “During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her”.
Rebecca suffered from burns on over 75 per cent of her body as a result of the attack.
She was rushed to an intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, but sadly passed away from her injuries on September 5, 2024.
According to Kenyan newspaper The Nation, a five-litre jerry can, a bag, and a burned phone were discovered at the scene of the incident.
Rebecca’s ex-boyfriend also suffered from burn injuries as a result of the attack and was rushed to hospital.
The attack had come after a report published in January 2023 found that 34% of women in Kenya (above the age of 15) had experienced physical violence.
There have been several high-profile murders of women in Kenya in recent years, including the death of runner Agnes Tirop who was found stabbed to death in her home in October 2021.
Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, is on trial for her murder but denies the charges.
Who has paid tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei?
Thousands of fans and several sports bodies have paid tribute to the incredible runner.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.
“As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice.
“May her soul rest In Peace.”
Rebecca’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, told reporters that he prayed for “justice for my daughter”.
He also said that his daughter and her ex-husband had been embroiled in a property dispute, before her death.
What did Rebecca Cheptegei achieve during her career?
Rebecca had just competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics before she died on September 1, 2024.
She raced against her fellow athletes in the Olympic marathon, where she finished 44th.
When Rebecca qualified for the Olympics, she set a new personal best of 2:22:47 at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in December 2022.
The Ugandan athlete also previously finished fourth in the half marathon at the 2024 African Games, as well as finishing in 14th place in the 2023 World Championship Marathon.
Before this, she finished in 14th place at the marathon at the 2023 World Championships