Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically died after being attacked by her ex-boyfriend, who allegedly poured petrol on her and set her on fire. The 33-year-old Ugandan athlete had recently competed in the Paris Olympics, finishing 44th in the marathon. The assault occurred as she returned home from church with her two daughters in north-west Kenya, where she had been living and training.
Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his grief, lamenting the loss of his “very supportive” daughter. Fellow athlete James Kirwa recalled her generosity and how she had supported other runners financially. Authorities reported a dispute between Cheptegei and her ex-partner over a piece of property, prompting an ongoing police investigation. Cheptegei was known to have acquired land in Trans Nzoia county to be near Kenya’s top athletic training facilities.
The rise of violence against women in Kenya is increasingly alarming, with a national survey indicating that at least 34% of women experienced physical violence in 2022. Kenya’s Sports Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, highlighted the urgent need to address gender-based violence, which has impacted even elite athletes. The UN has also condemned the violence against Cheptegei and called for action to prevent such tragedies.
Her father appealed for justice, noting the financial burden her death has placed on her family and expressed concern for her two young daughters’ education. Doctors at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital reported that Cheptegei had suffered severe burns, leading to multi-organ failure and her eventual passing early in the morning.
The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed their sorrow and condemned domestic violence, demanding justice for Cheptegei. The loss of the athlete is particularly poignant for the sports community, with British Olympian Eilish McColgan reflecting on the ongoing issue of violence against women in sports.
Cheptegei’s ex-boyfriend is also hospitalized with less severe injuries and remains in stable condition. Local police reported that the couple was arguing before the incident, during which the ex-partner poured a liquid on her.
Cheptegei’s legacy in athletics includes a gold medal at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand. Her death follows the murders of other female athletes in East Africa, raising awareness and calls for action against domestic violence among athletes. Kenyan athlete Joan Chelimo, involved in advocacy for women’s rights, remarked on the need for athletes to unite to raise awareness about gender-based violence.