![\"(From](\"https:\/\/hollywoodlife.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/GettyImages-1624541419_48d497-e1725383188834.jpg?quality=100&w=384&h=216&crop=1\")
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Ugandan runner Rebecca Cheptegei<\/strong> faced a tragic turn of events weeks after the 2024 Paris Olympics, where she was set on fire by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema<\/strong>. The 33-year-old Olympian, who finished 44th in the women\u2019s marathon, suffered burns on 75 percent of her body, according to police officials.<\/p>\n The Associated Press<\/em><\/a> reported that a disagreement occurred between her and Dickson on Sunday, September 1, leading him to purchase a jar of petrol, pour it on her, and set her on fire. Both Cheptegei and Ndiema are currently receiving care at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City, as Ndiema also sustained burns.<\/p>\n Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom<\/strong> told the BBC<\/span><\/i><\/a>, \u201cThe couple was heard quarreling outside their house. During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before setting her on fire.\u201d The dispute reportedly took place on a piece of land Cheptegei had recently purchased to be closer to athletic training centers.<\/p>\n We regret to announce that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed at the Olympics has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret. This follows an incident involving her Kenyan boyfriend pouring petrol and setting fire on her pic.twitter.com\/rgnWvgTpkb<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Uganda Athletics Federation-UAF (@UgaAthletics2) September 3, 2024<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Dr. Owen Benach<\/strong>, who is treating Cheptegei at the hospital, stated that she remains \u201cfully sedated due to the extent of the burns.\u201d Her father, Joseph Cheptegei<\/strong>, told reporters he seeks \u201cjustice\u201d for his daughter. As she fights for her life, it was revealed she has two children with another man. Referring to Dickson\u2019s attack, her father shared with The Star<\/span><\/i><\/a>, \u201cThey were just friends, and I wonder why he wanted to take away things belonging to my daughter.\u201d<\/p>\n Following the news<\/a>, Rebecca received an outpouring of support on social media. \u201cThat\u2019s so unfortunate. Quick recovery to Rebecca,\u201d one user commented<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n Another added<\/span><\/a>, \u201cIt\u2019s becoming worse; I think our athletes should be more careful when they are out there!\u201d<\/p>\n A third person wrote<\/a>, \u201cThis is so sad. Quick recovery, CHEPTEGEI.\u201d<\/p>\n Rebecca has been competing as a professional runner since she began her career in 2010.<\/p>\n If you or someone you know are experiencing domestic violence, please call the <\/span><\/i>National Domestic Violence Hotline<\/span><\/i><\/a>at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n