Ugandan Olympian fighting for her life after ex-boyfriend sets her on fire

Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in critical condition, having been set ablaze by her boyfriend in Kenya, according to reports by BBC Sport.

Cheptegei was reportedly “doused in petrol” by her ex-boyfriend and has suffered burns to 75% of her body.

Local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom told reporters at a press conference, “The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her”.

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Despite hailing from Uganda, Cheptegei has been living and training in western Kenya in recent times, which is where the attack took place, per ABC News.

Cheptegei was reportedly rescued by her neighbours in the Kenyan town of Endebess, with emergency services arriving soon after.

Both Cheptegei and her former boyfriend suffered serious burns and were rushed to Moi Referral Hospital, where they are being treated.

Cheptegei’s parents told reporters the marathon runner had bought a parcel of land in Kenya to be closer to their athletic training facilities and had recently built a house. BBC Sport understands the dispute began over land ownership.

Local police have reportedly begun an investigation into the attack.

Cheptegei recently competed in the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th in the women’s marathon. She has previously won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in 2022, per BBC Sport.

Cheptegei’s attack is the most recent in a string of violence towards female athletes in Kenya, with Damaris Mutua strangled to death soon after Agnes Tirop was murdered in 2021.

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