Ugandan Olympic Marathon Runner in Critical Condition After Gasoline Attack

In a tragic incident occurring just weeks after her participation in the 2024 Paris Olympics, Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in critical condition. She was allegedly set on fire by her former boyfriend, as reported by local authorities.

The 33-year-old athlete is currently undergoing treatment for severe burns that have affected 75% of her body, and she remains under full sedation due to the severity of her injuries. This unfortunate event took place at her residence in western Kenya, shortly after she returned from church with her two children.

According to local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom, neighbors reported hearing the couple arguing outside their home in the small town of Endebess. During the altercation, her former boyfriend was allegedly seen pouring a flammable liquid over her before igniting it.

Further complicating the situation, the police reported that the suspect, identified as Dickson Ndiema Marangach, was also caught in the flames and has suffered serious burns. Both Cheptegei and Marangach are receiving medical attention at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital located in Eldoret.

A local official from Trans Nzoia County mentioned that the couple had been engaged in disputes over a piece of land that Cheptegei had purchased for her future home. This conflict appears to have escalated, leading to the violent incident.

The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed its sorrow over the situation, issuing a statement on social media confirming Cheptegei’s hospitalization. They acknowledged the grievous nature of her injuries and the circumstances surrounding the attack, emphasizing the need for support during this difficult time.

Cheptegei’s athletic achievements include a participation in the marathon event where she finished 44th, following her recent Olympic appearance. Additionally, she was celebrated for her victories, including winning gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships held in Chiang Mai, Thailand, two years ago.

This incident highlights a disturbing trend concerning violence against women in sports, particularly within the Kenyan and Ugandan athletic communities. Notably, the region has witnessed several cases of female athletes being targeted by their partners. Kenyan-born Bahraini runner Damaris Mutua was tragically found strangled in 2022, and earlier, record-breaking long-distance runner Agnes Tirop was discovered stabbed to death in the same area.

In a similar vein, Ugandan Olympic runner and steeplechaser Benjamin Kiplagat lost his life after being stabbed by assailants in Eldoret last year. The pattern of violence against female athletes raises significant concerns about their safety and well-being, both within their personal lives and their professional environments.

As Rebecca Cheptegei continues her fight for recovery, her case brings to light pressing issues surrounding domestic violence that affect many women, particularly those in the spotlight. The athletics community, along with her fans and supporters, hope for her swift recovery and urge for a comprehensive examination of the societal factors contributing to such acts of violence.