Ugandan Marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Petrol Attack

Rebecca Cheptegei, Ugandan marathon runner who competed at the Paris Olympic Games, has tragically died days after suffering extensive burn injuries from being doused in petrol and set alight by her former boyfriend, a Ugandan official has said. 

The 33-year-old was a mother of two and lived and trained outside of Eldoret in Kenya, near the Uganda border, where she had bought some land. Police reports suggest she was killed following a dispute over land ownership. 

Rebecca is the second fastest Ugandan woman ever at the marathon. She finished 44th in the Paris Olympic Marathon, and was 14th in the World Championship Marathon in 2023. She was the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Champion.

Sadly this is another shocking story of an African female athlete being severely injured or killed by domestic violence. Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua were both killed in Kenya by suspected domestic violence in recent years. 

Rebecca’s ex-boyfriend, who is not the father of her children, was injured in the attack and remains in hospital. 

David Rukare, Head of Uganda’s Olympic Committee, said on X: “We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei OLY 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.”

UPDATE 10 September: Dickson Ndiema, Rebecca’s ex-partner who was injured in the attack, has also died from burn injuries.

Image Pic:@Narnabi/Wikimedia