Image: Getty. Rebecca Cheptegei pictured centre in Ugandan vest.
Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is reportedly fighting for her life in a hospital in Kenya after reportedly being set on fire by her boyfriend.
The 33-year-old suffered burns to more than 75% of her body after her partner reportedly doused her with petrol and set her alight. She is in a critical condition and is being treated at Moi Hospital in Eldoret.
The Ugandan marathoner, who placed 44th in the recent Paris Olympics, was reportedly rescued by neighbours who witnessed the attack. Police commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said that the pair were heard “quarrelling outside their house” before the boyfriend poured liquid over Cheptegei and burned her.
Some reports suggest that the argument may have been over the land where Cheptegei’s home was built.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation stated: “We regret to announce that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed at the Olympics has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalised at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. This follows an incident involving her Kenyan boyfriend pouring petrol and setting fire on her.”
Cheptegei’s athletic achievements include winning the mountain race at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in…
