Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed in the Paris Olympics just last month, has tragically passed away after suffering severe burns inflicted by her boyfriend. The Uganda Athletics Federation confirmed her death on X, formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday.

Uganda Athletics Federation Confirms Cheptegei’s Passing

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei, early this morning. She tragically fell victim to domestic violence,” the Uganda Athletics Federation shared in their post. “As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest in peace.”

Cheptegei, 33, who lived in Kenya, had been in critical condition with burns covering 75% of her body. The attack occurred last Sunday at her home in Trans Nzoia County, western Kenya. Her death was also confirmed by the Kenyan Olympic Team on X.

A Life of Achievement Cut Short

Cheptegei had finished 44th in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics a few weeks ago. Thomas Bach, the President of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), expressed his shock and sorrow over her death. “Her participation at the Games was a source of inspiration, pride, and joy,” Bach stated. He further described the attack on her as “horrific and deeply saddening.”

A Violent Attack Over a Dispute

According to Trans Nzoia County police commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, doused her with petrol and set her on fire after a disagreement over land. The attack left both Cheptegei and Ndiema, who was also burned, in critical condition. Ndiema is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Eldoret.

A Community in Mourning

Cheptegei’s mother, Agnes, spoke to reporters outside the hospital, describing her daughter as “a good child.” Her father, Joseph, expressed frustration, blaming local authorities for their inaction. “I hold the government responsible for her death. We reported this man’s violent behavior to the police and the Directorate of Criminal Investigations, but they did nothing to protect her,” he said.

Government Officials Respond

Uganda’s Minister of State for Sports, Peter Ogwang, called Cheptegei’s death “a tragic loss” and indicated that Kenyan authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. A more detailed report is expected in the coming days.

Kenya’s Sports Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, also released a statement, emphasizing that Cheptegei’s death is “not just a loss for Uganda and the athletics community but for the entire region.”

A Series of Tragedies in Kenyan Athletics

Cheptegei’s death marks the third time in three years that an elite female athlete has been killed in Kenya. In 2021, Kenyan Olympic runner Agnes Tirop was found dead with stab wounds in her neck. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, was later charged with murder. Another athlete, Damaris Mutua, was strangled to death just months later, with her boyfriend identified as the primary suspect.

Urgent Call to Address Gender-Based Violence

Sports Minister Murkomen stressed that Cheptegei’s death is a “stark reminder” of the need to combat gender-based violence, which has increasingly targeted women in elite sports. Amnesty International Kenya echoed these sentiments, calling for immediate action to address the alarming rise of femicide in the country.

Conclusion: A Loss Beyond the Athletics World

Rebecca Cheptegei’s untimely death is not only a profound loss for Uganda but also for the international athletics community. Her tragic story underscores the urgent need to combat domestic violence and ensure the safety of athletes, particularly women, who continue to face threats in their personal lives even as they inspire the world on the sporting stage. The sports world mourns her passing, and her legacy as an Olympian will continue to inspire future generations despite this heartbreaking end.