Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei dies after being set alight by ex-boyfriend

Rebecca Cheptegei has died following an attack by her ex-boyfriend in Kenya, per BBC Sport. According to local authorities, Cheptegei was returning from church with her two daughters when she was attacked.

Cheptegei was reportedly “doused in petrol” by her ex-boyfriend and suffered burns to 75% of her body during the attack. BBC Sport has reported the injuries proved too severe and led to organ failure.

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.”

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!

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 the assailant is still being treated. Reports suggest he will make a full recovery and is expected to face harsh punishment for his actions.

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's father, Joseph, said he is hoping “for justice for my daughter,” per BBC Sport.

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. Kenya's Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said, “This tragedy is a stark reminder of the urgent need to combat gender-based violence, which has increasingly affected even elite sports,” following the news of Cheptegei's death.

Want to see more like this? Follow us here for daily sports news, profiles and analysis!