Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei Hospitalized After Alleged Petrol Attack

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Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in critical condition after an alleged petrol attack by her boyfriend in western Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. The 33-year-old athlete, who recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, suffering severe burns on 75% of her body following the incident.

According to local reports, Cheptegei's boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, allegedly doused her with petrol and set her on fire during a heated argument on Sunday. Both Cheptegei and Ndiema sustained burn injuries and are currently being treated at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city.

Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom confirmed the incident, stating that the couple was fighting over land where Cheptegei's house is located when the attack occurred. Cheptegei's parents revealed that she had bought the land to be close to the region's athletic training centers.

Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the marathon at the Paris Olympics and 14th at the 2023 World Championships, had qualified for her Olympic debut after setting a personal best at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in 2022.