Tragic Death of Ugandan Olympic Runner Rebecca Cheptegei Highlights Gender-Based Violence in Sports

Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei has tragically passed away after being doused in petrol and set on fire by her former boyfriend. The 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner, who recently competed in the Paris Olympics, succumbed to her injuries from the brutal attack just days after the incident.

Cheptegei, who had suffered severe burns, was attacked in north-west Kenya after returning home from church with her two daughters. The authorities believe the assault stemmed from a land dispute with her ex-partner, and police have opened an investigation into the tragic incident.

Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his deep sorrow, referring to his daughter as a “very supportive” member of their family and the breadwinner. Fellow athlete James Kirwa described Cheptegei as generous and caring, having provided financial assistance to other runners, including himself.

Rebecca Cheptegei’s passing sheds light on the growing issue of gender-based violence in Kenya, a country where violence against women has become an alarming concern. In 2022, a national survey revealed that at least 34% of women reported experiencing physical violence. This tragedy highlights the urgent need for stronger action against such acts, even within elite sporting circles.

Kenya’s Sports Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, echoed these concerns, calling for more efforts to combat gender-based violence and emphasizing the toll it is taking on women, including those in the highest levels of sport.

The attack on Cheptegei follows a disturbing trend of violence against female athletes in East Africa. In recent years, Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, both renowned athletes, were also murdered, with their partners suspected in the crimes.

Cheptegei’s tragic death comes as a painful reminder of the vulnerability faced by women, even those who have achieved remarkable feats. The Ugandan Athletics Federation expressed their grief and called for justice, mourning the loss of a remarkable athlete who won gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand.

Rebecca Cheptegei’s legacy as a trailblazing athlete will endure, and her passing has reignited calls for justice, accountability, and stronger measures to protect women from domestic violence.