Shocking: Olympic Runner Set on Fire by Boyfriend After Paris Marathon
Imagine finishing a grueling marathon at the Olympics, only to face a horrifying ordeal at home. That's the reality Rebecca Cheptegei, a talented Ugandan athlete, had to endure. Just weeks after competing in the Paris Olympics, she was set on fire by her own boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema. The incident took place in Trans Nzoia County, Kenya, leaving Cheptegei with severe burns on over 75% of her body.
Reports from the local police indicate that Ndiema purchased gasoline, poured it on Cheptegei, and callously ignited the flames. The motive behind this heinous act stemmed from a disagreement between the couple. It's a chilling reminder of the dangers of domestic violence and the devastating consequences it can have.
Cheptegei's parents revealed that she had recently acquired land in Trans Nzoia to be closer to training facilities. Little did she know that her pursuit of athletic excellence would be overshadowed by such a horrific incident.
Neighbors came to Cheptegei's rescue, but the damage was already done. She is currently in critical condition, fighting for her life. Both Cheptegei and Ndiema are receiving medical treatment at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, with Ndiema also sustaining burns during the attack.
Despite the physical and emotional trauma she has endured, Cheptegei's resilience shines through. A seasoned athlete, she began her racing career in 2010 and represented Uganda at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing 44th in the women's marathon.
Earlier this year, Cheptegei clinched victory at the Padova Marathon and secured a commendable second place in the women's 10,000-meter run at the Ugandan Championships in Kampala. Her dedication to her sport is undeniable, making the tragic turn of events even more heart-wrenching.
This harrowing incident serves as a stark reminder of the prevalence of domestic violence and the urgent need to address it. If you or someone you know is facing similar challenges, reach out for help. Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
