Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is currently in critical condition following a horrific incident involving her former boyfriend who allegedly set her on fire. The 33-year-old athlete, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, suffered extensive burns and is being treated at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya. The attack occurred at her home in Endebess, a town where she had been training, shortly after she returned from church with her two children.
Local police have reported that Cheptegei and her ex-boyfriend were heard arguing outside their residence before he allegedly poured a flammable liquid on her and ignited it. Neighbors intervened, rescuing her from the flames. Tragically, the former boyfriend also sustained significant burns during the ordeal. An investigation is currently underway, with initial reports suggesting that the couple had been in a dispute over a piece of land that Cheptegei had purchased in Trans Nzoia County, an area known for its athletic training facilities.
Dr. Owen Benach, the senior director of clinical services at the hospital, confirmed that Cheptegei is categorized as a high-profile patient and has been fully sedated due to the severity of her injuries. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, has publicly expressed his anguish, urging for justice for his daughter during this challenging time.
Ms. Cheptegei’s career has been marked by notable achievements, including a gold medal at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022, and a 44th place finish in the marathon at the recent Paris Olympics. However, her situation underscores a troubling trend of violence against female athletes in Kenya, with several incidents leading to tragic outcomes.
The alarming spike in violence against women in the sports community is evident from past cases. In 2022, Damaris Mutua, another female runner, was tragically found strangled in her home in Iten, while record-breaking athlete Agnes Tirop was discovered stabbed to death in the same location. In both instances, their partners were identified as primary suspects, highlighting a disturbing pattern of gender-based violence in the region. Currently, Tirop’s husband faces murder charges, while authorities continue to search for the suspect in Mutua’s case.
Men in the athletic community have also faced violence, with another Ugandan athlete, Benjamin Kiplagat, being stabbed to death last December, emphasizing the pervasive issue of violence in sports.
The unfortunate incident involving Rebecca Cheptegei not only raises awareness about the dangers faced by female athletes but also calls for urgent conversations around gender-based violence in sports. As the investigation unfolds and authorities work to address these challenges, Cheptegei’s story serves as a stark reminder of the need for stronger protections and support for athletes, especially women, who continue to face significant risks both in and out of competition.
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