Uganda Olympic Runner Rebecca Cheptegei in Critical Condition After Boyfriend Set Her on Fire

Cheptegei placed in 44th place during the marathon competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics.

September 3, 2024

Rebecca Cheptegei running in a race. — (Photo by FERENC ISZA/AFP via Getty Images)

Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan distance runner who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics, is in critical condition after her boyfriend set her on fire.

According to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Cheptegei was attacked in her home in Kenya by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema. The couple reportedly got into an argument over land on Saturday, which led to Ndiema pouring a jerrican filled with petrol fuel oil on Cheptegei and setting her ablaze.

"The couple were heard quarreling outside their house," Kosiom said in a statement. "During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her."

It's unclear what led to the two arguing over land, but Cheptegei's parents stated she bought land in Trans Nzoia to be closer to the athletic training centers located in the area.

Both Ndiema and Cheptegei suffered injuries and are recovering at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital. However, Cheptegei got the worst of it, as she received burns to 75 percent of her body. The Ugandan Athletics Federation released a tweet announcing the news and expressing regret over the attack.

"We regret to announce that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed at the Olympics has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret," the UAF tweeted. "This follows an incident involving her Kenyan boyfriend pouring petrol and setting fire on her."

Cheptegei competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics and finished 44th in the marathon. In 2022, she won gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.