Olympic marathon runner in critical condition after boyfriend ‘set her on fire’ leaving her with burns over 75% of body
AN OLYMPIC marathon runner has been rushed to hospital after her boyfriend allegedly set her on fire.
Ugandan runner Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, suffered burns across 75 per cent of her body in the suspected attack.
Cheptegei is in critical condition and recieving medical care at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret city, western Kenya.
Her partner reportedly poured petrol on her and set her alight during an argument on Sunday, local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom said.
She was reportedly attacked at her home where she was training.
Cheptegei was rescued by neighbours after the horrific incident in her town of Endebess.
Official Kosiom also said her attacker sustained serious burns.
He said: “The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house.
“During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.”
They are both being treated at the same hospital.
A police investigation has been launched.
Cheptegei – from a region across the border in Uganda – reportedly bought a piece of land in Trans Nzoia County and built a house to be closer to Kenya’s athletic training facilities.
A local administrator report said the pair were locked in a dispute over the plot.
The pro runner finished 44th in the marathon at Paris 2024 Olympics.
She also bagged a gold medal at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand, in 2022.
Cheptegei’s partner reportedly set fire to her while their children were nearby, Nation Africa reports.