Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei was set on fire by her boyfriend after the Paris Games

Ugandan runner Rebecca Cheptegei faced a devastating ordeal weeks after competing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, when her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, set her on fire. The 33-year-old Olympian, who placed 44th in the women’s marathon, suffered severe burns covering 75 percent of her body, according to police.

The Associated Press reported that the attack followed a dispute between Cheptegei and Ndiema on Sunday, September 1. Ndiema purchased a jar of petrol, doused Cheptegei with it, and ignited the flames. Both Cheptegei and Ndiema are currently receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City, with Ndiema also suffering burns.

Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom told the BBC, “The couple was heard arguing outside their house. During the quarrel, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before setting her on fire.” The incident reportedly occurred on a piece of land Cheptegei had recently bought to be closer to athletic training facilities.

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. This follows an incident involving her Kenyan boyfriend pouring petrol and setting fire on her pic.twitter.com/rgnWvgTpkb

— UGANDA ATHLETICS FEDERATION🇺🇬🇺🇬 UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 3, 2024

Dr. Owen Benach, who is treating Cheptegei, noted that she remains “fully sedated due to the severity of the burns.” Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, is calling for “justice” for his daughter. As she battles for her life, it has come to light that she has two children with another man. Reflecting on the attack, her father told The Star, “They were just friends, and I am shocked by why he would want to harm my daughter.”

In response to the news, Rebecca has received an outpouring of support on social media. “So tragic. Wishing Rebecca a speedy recovery,” one user wrote.

Another added, “This is getting worse; our athletes need to be more cautious.”

A third commented, “Such a sad situation. Hope Rebecca recovers quickly.”

Rebecca has been a professional runner since 2010.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.