Love Beyond the Finish Line: Ugandan Olympic Runner’s Passion Ignited by Tragic Loss
Ugandan Olympic Runner Rebecca Cheptegei Dies After Being Set on Fire by Ex-Boyfriend
Tragedy struck the athletic community as Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, lost her life after being set on fire by her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndima Marangas, in Kenya.
According to reports, the incident occurred when Ndima, who was waiting for Cheptegei outside her house, poured gasoline over her and set her on fire. The attack left Cheptegei with severe burns covering about 80 percent of her body.
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Cheptegei, 33, died four days later due to organ failure. Ndima, who also suffered burns on around 30 percent of his body, died on September 10 while being treated in the hospital’s intensive care unit.
The Uganda Athletics Federation expressed their condolences and condemned the act of domestic violence. “We are very sad to share the news of the death of our athlete, Rebecca Chepteke. Tragically, she was a victim of domestic violence. As a federation, we condemn this act and demand justice. May her soul rest in peace.”
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Cheptegei represented Uganda in the Women’s Olympic Marathon in Paris 2024, finishing 44th with a time of 2 hours 32 minutes 14 seconds.