Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, aged 33, tragically died after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema. The Uganda athletics federation announced her passing, condemning domestic violence and calling for justice. Cheptegei was hospitalized following a disagreement with her boyfriend at her home in Kenya, where she later died due to organ failure.
President of Uganda’s Olympic committee, Donald Rukare, expressed sadness over Cheptegei’s passing and condemned violence against women. Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom reported that Ndiema poured petrol on Cheptegei and set her on fire during an altercation. Both were taken to the hospital with burns. Cheptegei, a long-distance and marathon runner, competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 44th.
Neighbors intervened to put out the fire before rushing Cheptegei and Ndiema to the hospital after the incident. The police collected evidence at the scene for forensic analysis. Cheptegei had competed in various marathons prior to the Olympics, ending 2022 with a fourth-place finish in the ADNOC Abu Dhabi Marathon. She had been a professional athlete since 2010, winning the Kampala 10,000-meter race in Uganda.
The tragic incident has sparked outrage and calls for action against domestic violence. Cheptegei’s death has highlighted the pervasive issue of violence against women. The Uganda athletics federation and Olympic committee continue to mourn her loss and honor her legacy as a talented athlete. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing domestic violence and providing support to those in need.
Cheptegei’s untimely death has prompted discussions about the need for stronger measures to prevent domestic violence and protect victims. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is available for those experiencing abuse and seeking confidential support. The tragic circumstances surrounding Cheptegei’s passing have shed light on the urgent need to address this issue and prevent further tragedies from occurring in the future.
As the sporting world mourns the loss of a talented athlete, Cheptegei’s legacy serves as a reminder of the devastating consequences of domestic violence. Her dedication to her sport and achievements as a professional athlete are celebrated, while the circumstances of her death serve as a call to action to address and prevent violence against women. The impact of Cheptegei’s passing will continue to resonate within the sports community and beyond as efforts to combat domestic violence are strengthened.
