Rebecca Cheptegei — the Olympic long-distance runner who suffered burns over about 75 percent of her body after being attacked by her boyfriend — has died at age 33.
The Uganda Athletics Federation confirmed the devastating news via X on Thursday… saying: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, earlier this morning, who was tragically a victim of domestic violence.”
According to local authorities, Cheptegei — who placed 44th in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics — got into an argument with her partner, Dickson Ndiemabefore the burning on Sunday.
Local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told reporters that shortly after the fight began, “the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.”
Ndiema also received treatment in hospital for injuries sustained in the attack.
Ugandan Minister of State for Sports — Pedro Ogwang — went to X to express their solidarity with the family.
Cheptegei began her running career in 2010… placing 15th in the U20 race at the 38th IAAF World Cross Country Championships. After finishing fourth at the 2022 ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon, she earned her way to Paris to represent her country at the 2024 Summer Olympics.
TO TEAR APART.