SportsUganda's Olympic star fights for life after horrific attack

Uganda's Olympic star fights for life after horrific attack

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

3 September 2024 15:16

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

Originally from Uganda, Rebecca Cheptegei participated in the marathon at the Olympic Games this year. The woman has over 10 years of experience in this field and has already 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 petrol 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 petrol and set her on fire during an argument.

According to Kenyan media, the alleged perpetrator of the attack also suffered severe injuries and is hospitalised 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 centre)
Rebecca Cheptegei from Uganda (in the centre)© Getty Images | JIANG Qiming
See also