Celebrated Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, Rebecca Cheptegei, has passed away after she was brutally attacked by her boyfriend, head of Uganda’s Olympic Committee has disclosed.
The attack, which took place on Sunday in Kenya, left Cheptegei with over 75% degree burns on her body. The renowned athlete succumbed to her injuries on Thursday, marking a somber moment for the athletics community.
The president of the Uganda Olympics Committee, Donald Rukare, confirmed the heartbreaking news in a statement posted on X (formally twitter).
“We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei following a vicious attack by her boyfriend,” Rukare wrote. He continued, expressing his condolences, “May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”
Cheptegei, 33, who had represented Uganda in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, suffered horrific injuries when her boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her alight.
The incident occurred in Kenya, where Cheptegei owned a home and frequently trained. Despite her valiant efforts to recover, the injuries proved fatal, making her the third female athlete to be killed in Kenya since October 2021.
The shocking incident has drawn widespread condemnation and has reignited discussions about the safety and well-being of female athletes in the region.
Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics, was known for her dedication to her sport and her inspiring journey from Uganda to the global stage.