Rebecca Cheptegei Critically Injured in Attack

Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, was set on fire by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, during a dispute over property at their home in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. Police reported that Ndiema poured petrol on Cheptegei and ignited it after an argument, resulting in her suffering burns on over 75% of her body. Neighbors rescued her, and both are currently hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, with Ndiema also sustaining injuries. The couple's altercation reportedly revolved around a piece of land Cheptegei purchased to be closer to athletic training facilities. Cheptegei represented Uganda in the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 44th in the marathon. An investigation into the incident is ongoing, as this case highlights the alarming issue of domestic violence in sports communities.