Rebecca Cheptegei, an Olympic distance runner, suffered a 75% burn to her body during the ordeal.
According to authorities, a Ugandan athlete who lives in Kenya was burned by her lover and is currently undergoing treatment for 75% of her burn injuries. Distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who placed 44th in the 2024 Paris Olympics marathon with a time of two hours, 32 minutes, and 14 seconds, is said to have been attacked in her home in western Trans Nzoia County.
During a fight on Sunday (September 1), Dickson Ndiema, Cheptegei’s lover, bought a can of gasoline, poured it on her, and lit her on fire, according to Trans Nzoia police commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom.
Both Ndiema and herself are undergoing specialized care at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City after Ndiema also suffered burn injuries.
Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter purchased land in Trans Nzoia so she could be close to the several sports training facilities in the county.
Before the fire started, the couple was heard fighting over the property where the house was erected, according to a report submitted by the local chief.
Local media sources report that Cheptegei’s condition is critical.
On social media, the Ugandan Athletics Federation (UAF) has addressed the issue.
“We regret to announce that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed in the Olympics, has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret,” the organization tweeted today (September 3).
People have subsequently offered their support for the Olympian as she heals from the traumatic incident.
“Wishing her a quick recovery,” one person wrote.
A second user expressed similar feelings, writing, “Sad to hear this. Wishing her a swift recovery.”
“There are no words. “Best wishes for her recovery,” said someone else.
A different person wrote, “This is so tragic.” I wish her a swift recovery and hope that she receives justice.
Sadly, Cheptegei’s case is not the first of its kind.
Damaris Muthee, a Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete, was discovered dead in 2022 after a post-mortem investigation revealed she had been strangled, while Agnes Tirop, a two-time World Athletics Championships bronze medalist, was found stabbed to death in 2021.
At 61, Meg Ryan Makes a Rare Public Appearance and Looks Unrecognizable
At 61 years old, Meg Ryan made her first public outing in 6 months. She was seen at the screening of Michael J. Fox’s documentary, supporting her old friend. She looked unrecognizable compared to her previous appearances.
Meg Ryan, who has consistently denied undergoing any plastic surgery or enhancements, showcased wrinkle-free skin, a plumper pout, and her trademark blonde locks.
Over the years, the appearance of the Golden Globe nominee has changed significantly, fueling numerous rumors about whether or not she has undergone any cosmetic procedures.
When asked about the speculation surrounding her plastic surgery, she stated in an interview, “I don’t pay a lot of attention, frankly.”
Focusing on building her family, Ryan is almost entirely absent from the public eye. She adopted a child and is a single mom of 2.
There’s no doubt that Meg Ryan is an inspiration for us all. She chooses to look beyond people’s judgments in all aspects of her life and refuses to let public opinion define who she truly is.
Preview photo credit Tristar/Collection Christophel/East News, © Michael Simon/Shutterstock
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