Ugandan long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, has tragically passed away at the age of 33. Cheptegei suffered burns on approximately 80% of her body after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her former partner during an argument over land.

The attack occurred on Sunday and left Cheptegei with life-threatening injuries. She was immediately rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City, Kenya, where she had been receiving treatment. Sadly, her condition deteriorated, and she succumbed to her injuries on Thursday, as confirmed by hospital spokesperson Owen Menach.

Uganda Olympic Committee's head, Donald Rukare, expressed profound grief over Cheptegei's passing and strongly condemned violence against women. Rukare referred to the attack as a cowardly and senseless act, resulting in the loss of a talented athlete. He stressed that Cheptegei's legacy will be remembered and honored.

Cheptegei, known as a marathon runner, participated in the women's marathon event at the 2024 Paris Olympics, finishing in 44th place with a season's best time of 2:32:14. Just a month before this tragic incident, she showcased her potential with a personal best marathon time of 2:22:47 in December 2022.

The accomplished athlete had been residing in northwestern Kenya and had recently purchased land in Trans Nzoia County, aiming to build a home closer to the athletics training centers in Kenya. The motive for the attack stemmed from a dispute over this property, according to the police report.

Cheptegei's partner, identified as Dickson Ndiema, was also injured in the incident and is currently receiving treatment for serious burns at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Cheptegei and condemned acts of domestic violence while demanding justice.

Disturbingly, this tragic event adds to a series of domestic violence cases against female athletes in Kenya. In 2021, Agnes Tirop, a Kenyan distance runner, was found stabbed to death in her home. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, was arrested and charged with the murder. A year later, Damaris Muthee Mutua, a Kenyan-Bahraini athlete, was discovered murdered in her home, with a manhunt initiated for her Ethiopian boyfriend, Eskinder Hailemaryam Folie, who is believed to have fled the country.

The untimely demise of Rebecca Cheptegei has sent shockwaves through the sports community, emphasizing the urgent need to address and prevent acts of domestic violence. As the investigation into her tragic murder continues, the athletic world mourns the loss of a talented and inspiring athlete.