Athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has died, Uganda Athletics Federation President has confirmed.
According to Dr Donald Rukare said Uganda’s long-distance female athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei passed on in Kenya’s Trans Nzoia County.
The President of the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) has expressed deep sympathy about the loss of Cheptegei and condemned the violence against women gender.
“We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei following a vicious attack by her boyfriend. 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,” Dr. Rukare posted.
The unfortunate event happened after the 33-year-old suffered third-degree burns following a domestic brawl with her boyfriend, Nickson Ndiema.
It is reported that Ndiema allegedly poured petrol on the Olympian before lighting a fire in Endebess residence.
Rebecca Cheptegei sustained deep burns and was initially taken to Kitale Level Four Hospital and later transfered to the duo was transferred to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret due to the severity of the injuries suffered.
Cheptegei participated in the Women’s Marathon at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
She completed the women’s marathon in the 44th position with a timing of 2:32:14, while her compatriots Stella Chesang and Mercyline Chelangat finished 8th and 69th respectively.
Cheptegei participated in the Women’s Marathon at the 2024 Olympics in Paris, France.
She completed the women’s marathon in the 44th position with a timing of 2:32:14, while her compatriots Stella Chesang and Mercyline Chelangat finished 8th and 69th respectively.
