'Running for her family' - Olympian mourned after vicious attack

The tragic death of Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei has sent shockwaves through her family, friends, and the entire athletics community. At just 33 years old, Rebecca was a dedicated long-distance runner and a loving mother of two young daughters. The incident occurred in north-western Kenya, where her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, attacked her by pouring petrol on her and setting her on fire outside her home. This horrific act has left her loved ones devastated. Her mother, Agnes Cheptegei, spoke to reporters outside the hospital where Rebecca died, expressing her grief and describing her daughter as a kind-hearted individual. Agnes could barely contain her emotions as she shared her sorrow, saying, 'We have lost our breadwinner. ' Rebecca's sister, Violet, also expressed her pain, stating, 'I'm in pain but we leave it to God. ' This heartbreaking situation is made even more tragic by the fact that Rebecca's young daughters witnessed the attack and attempted to intervene. The news of her death has resonated deeply within the Ugandan capital, where many are mourning the loss of a beloved athlete. Friends and fellow runners have come forward to pay tribute to Rebecca, highlighting her generosity and kindness. James Kirwa, a fellow athlete who occasionally trained with Rebecca, shared his memories of her, recalling how she was always willing to help others, even financially. He remembered a time when she brought him training shoes after returning from the Paris Olympics, showcasing her supportive nature. Despite not winning numerous medals, Rebecca was able to provide for her family through her running career. She began representing Uganda at the young age of 19 during the 2010 World Cross Country Championships. Over the years, she transitioned to longer road races and achieved significant success, including a notable victory at the 2022 World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Thailand. In 2021, she made her marathon debut and recorded an impressive personal best, making her the second-fastest Ugandan woman of all time. Throughout her running career, Rebecca was also a member of the Ugandan army, where she held the rank of corporal. Many athletes in East Africa join the military for financial support and the opportunity to train. While the details of how Rebecca joined the Uganda People's Defence Forces remain unclear, she represented her country at the World Military Games in Rio de Janeiro in 2011. Her fellow athletes looked up to her as a mentor and an older sister figure. Kirwa shared how Rebecca encouraged him during difficult times, saying, 'When I first started, I almost gave up because it was very difficult, but she told me you must soldier on. ' Rebecca had moved to Kenya to be closer to the country's renowned athletics training centers, which are located near her home area in Uganda. Immaculate Chemutai, another athlete who visited Rebecca in the hospital, expressed her hope for her friend's recovery. She mentioned that Rebecca had shown signs of improvement before her passing, saying, 'In the morning I received the phone call and the doctor told us that we've lost her. It's really sad. Rebecca, she has been so good to us. She is very lovely… a good person. ' The impact of Rebecca's death extends beyond her immediate family and friends. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, voiced his concerns about the future of his granddaughters' education without their mother's support. The tragedy has also highlighted a troubling pattern of violence against women in the region, particularly among female athletes. Kenyan runner Milcah Chemos Cheywa expressed her shock and pain, stating, 'We are still in shock, and we are in pain, especially as athletes. ' This incident is not isolated; it follows the deaths of other female athletes in the region, including world-record holder Agnes Tirop, who was murdered in 2021. The authorities identified her partner as the main suspect in her case. In response to these tragedies, a group called Tirop's Angels has been formed to advocate for the protection of women and girls in sports. They are calling for action from the public, sports organizations, and the government to prevent further violence. Sebastian Coe, the president of the athletics' world governing body, expressed his condolences and emphasized the need for better protection for female athletes. He mourned the loss of Rebecca, stating that she still had much to contribute to the sport. For James Kirwa, the loss of Rebecca is deeply personal, and he has decided to withdraw from an upcoming marathon due to his emotional state. The athletics community is coming together to remember Rebecca Cheptegei not only for her achievements on the track but also for her kindness and the love she had for her family.