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Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei in hospital after alleged petrol attack by boyfriend, local reports say
A Ugandan marathon runner has suffered severe burns after an alleged attack by her boyfriend.
Rebecca Cheptegei, who finished 44th in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics, is receiving treatment for 75% burns after being attacked in her house in western Trans Nzoia County, Kenya.
She is said to be in a critical condition, according to the Kenyan The Star newspaper.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom said on Monday Cheptegei’s boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, bought a can of petrol, poured it on her and set her on fire during a disagreement on Sunday.
Ndiema also sustained burn wounds, and the two are being treated at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city.
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Cheptegei’s parents said their 33-year-old daughter bought land in Trans Nzoia to be near the county’s many athletic training centres.
A report filed by the local chief says the couple were heard fighting over the land where the house was built, before the fire started.
Cheptegei qualified for her Olympic debut in the marathon after setting a personal best of 2.22.47 at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in December 2022, according to the Paris Olympics website.
She also finished 14th in the marathon at the 2023 World Championships.
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