File picture of runner Rebecca Cheptegei on the Discovery 10km street race in Kapchorwa, Uganda, in 2023 | Picture credit score: AP
Ugandan Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei has died, the top of the nation’s Olympic committee introduced on Thursday (5 September 2024), days after her boyfriend doused her with petrol and set her on fireplace.
Kenyan and Ugandan media reported that Cheptegei, 33, who competed on the Paris Olympics, suffered burns over 75% of her physique within the assault in Kenya on Sunday (1 September 2024), making her the third feminine athlete to be killed within the nation since October 2021.
“We now have discovered of the unhappy passing away of our Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei… following a brutal assault by her boyfriend,” mentioned Donald Rukare, president of the Uganda Olympic Committee, in a publish on X.
“Could her soul relaxation in peace and we strongly condemn violence in opposition to ladies. This was a cowardly and mindless act that has led to the lack of an ideal athlete. Her legacy will stay on.”
Cheptegei, who completed forty fourth in Paris, had a home in Kenya the place he stayed when coaching within the nation.
Revealed – September 05, 2024 01:07 pm IST