Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan marathoner who competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, is currently in critical condition at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya.
Cheptegei was admitted to the hospital on Monday after reportedly being assaulted by her boyfriend, who allegedly doused her with petrol and set her on fire. The boyfriend, who also sustained severe burns, is receiving treatment at the same facility.
“Her condition looks serious with facial burns and bandages,” a MTRH staff member told AFP on condition of anonymity as they were not authorised to speak to the media.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom confirmed that authorities have launched an investigation into the incident.
Cheptegei’s parents, Joseph Cheptegei and Agnes Ndiema, disclosed that their daughter was initially admitted to Kitale Level Four Hospital before being transferred to MTRH for specialized care. They shared that Rebecca had been living in a house she built on land she purchased in Trans Nzoia for training purposes, although her primary residence is in Cheminy, Uganda.
The incident took place on Monday, and Cheptegei’s parents have since traveled to Trans Nzoia to be by her side. The local authorities are actively investigating the matter.
The 33-year-old placed 44th in the women’s marathon during the Paris Olympics in August, with a time of two hours, 32 minutes and 14 seconds.
