Uganda’s long-distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei is dead, Kontola Sports has learnt.
The death of the Olympic athlete was caused to to the third degree burns after Chptegei was burnt by her boyfriend, Nickson Ndiema.
The unfortunate happening was confirmed by Donald Rukare, the Uganda Olympic Committee (UOC) today Thursday, September 5, 2024.
“We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei following a vicious attack by her boyfriend,” a statement partly reads.
“We strongly condemn violence against women. This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure,” the post concluded.
Cheptegei competed in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games as part of Uganda’s Marathon team, finishing in the 44th place.
After Olympics, the 33-year-old returned to Kenya to reunite with her lover who she had not seen for quite a while since Cheptegei was training in Kapchorwa.
It’s well known that the two have been having disputes and unfortunately, it caused such a horrifying incident that ended Cheptegei’s life at a youthful age.