SportsUgandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei fighting for life after attack

Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei fighting for life after attack

Olympian from Paris in critical condition. She experienced a nightmare
Olympian from Paris in critical condition. She experienced a nightmare
Images source: © Getty Images

11:02 AM EDT, September 3, 2024

Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan Olympian from the Paris Olympic Games, is fighting for her life. According to media reports, she was doused in gasoline and set on fire by her partner. Her injuries are severe.

Originally from Uganda, Rebecca Cheptegei participated in the marathon at this year's Olympic Games. She has over 10 years of experience in this field and has achieved many successes, including winning a race in Padua. She has also secured numerous podium finishes.

Olympian from Paris in critical condition. Boyfriend doused her in gasoline and set her on fire

According to reports from the local Kenyan newspaper "The Star," which were published by the "Marca" website, Cheptegei is fighting for her life after being attacked by her partner. She was admitted to the hospital on Monday with extensive burns, which, according to police reports, were the result of an attack by her boyfriend.

Cheptegei's condition is described as critical. Police Chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom reported that the 33-year-old runner suffered burns covering 75 percent of her body. The investigation revealed that Dickson Ndiema, her long-time lover, doused her in gasoline and set her on fire during an argument.

The alleged perpetrator, according to Kenyan media, also suffered serious injuries and is hospitalized in the same facility. The athlete's parents are devastated by the situation. They indicate that the 33-year-old recently moved to Kenya for better training conditions. According to them, this might have been the reason for her dispute with her partner.

Rebecca Cheptegei from Uganda (in the middle)
Rebecca Cheptegei from Uganda (in the middle)© Getty Images | JIANG Qiming
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