03 September 2024 , 18:54
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Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in critical condition in hospital after being set on fire by her boyfriend.
The 33-year-old, who finished 44th in the women’s marathon race at the Olympics in Paris earlier this summer, has suffered burns to more than 75 per cent of her body, police have said.
Cheptegei was attacked at her home in Endebess, Kenya, on Sunday by her partner Dickson Ndiema Marangach.
The police report claims that during an argument, Marangach doused Cheptegei in petrol before setting her on fire.
‘The couple were heard quarrelling outside their house,’ said local police chief Jeremiah ole Kosiom.
‘During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her.’
Rebecca Cheptegei (2R) represented Uganda at the Olympics in Paris (AFP via Getty Images)
Neighbours are said to have helped extinguish the flames and took them to nearby Kitale County Referral Hospital.
‘The man was also caught in the same fire and sustained serious burns,’ Kosiom said.
It is claimed that Cheptegei and Marangach had been arguing over a piece of land over the piece of land where their home had been built.
A statement from the Ugandan Athletics Federation on social media read: ‘We regret to announce that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed at the Olympics has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalised at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.
‘This follows an incident involving her Kenyan boyfriend pouring petrol and setting fire on her.’