Cheptegei, who participated in the 2024 Paris Olympics and finished 44th in the women’s marathon, was attacked by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, at her home in Trans Nzoia, Kenya.
During a dispute on September 1, Ndiema allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire, resulting in Cheptegei sustaining severe burns to over 80% of her body.
Despite receiving treatment at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Cheptegei succumbed to her injuries on the morning of September 5, 2024.
Mayor Hidalgo, while making the announcement, remarked that Cheptegei had dazzled spectators in Paris with her beauty, strength, and freedom.
Ideal inspiration
She expressed sorrow at the loss of such a promising athlete and confirmed that the dedication of a sports venue in her name would ensure that her memory continues to inspire and promote equality—an ideal championed by both the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Cheptegei, 33, had moved to Trans Nzoia, Western Kenya, to be close to athletic training centres and to focus on her running career. She had previously won gold at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand, which paved her way to the 2024 Olympics. However, her life was tragically cut short in an attack that has shocked the athletic community and sparked fresh discussions on gender-based violence.
The Ugandan Athletics Federation and other sporting bodies have expressed their deep sorrow and called for justice. Kenya’s Sports Minister, Kipchumba Murkomen, highlighted the need to address the rise of gender-based violence, particularly in elite sporting circles.
