Olympic marathoner Rebecca Cheptegei in hospital after allegedly being set on fire

Ugandan athlete recovering after suffering burns

Olympic marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei is in hospital in Uganda after allegedly being set on fire by unknown attackers. The 25-year-old is reported to have suffered burns to her face, chest and arms, and is currently receiving treatment at Mulago National Referral Hospital in Kampala. The incident occurred on Tuesday evening in the eastern Ugandan town of Bukwo, as Cheptegei was returning home from a training session.

Police investigating motive

Police are investigating the motive behind the attack, but have not yet made any arrests. Cheptegei's coach, Gordon Ahimbisibwe, told the BBC that he was "shocked and saddened" by the news, and that he hoped the police would "bring the perpetrators to justice".

Cheptegei a rising star in Ugandan athletics

Cheptegei is one of Uganda's most promising young athletes. She finished 14th in the women's marathon at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, and was also part of the Ugandan team that won a bronze medal in the mixed team marathon at the 2022 World Athletics Championships in Eugene, Oregon.
She is scheduled to compete in the 2023 World Athletics Championships in Budapest, Hungary, in August.

Calls for increased security for athletes

The attack on Cheptegei has raised concerns about the safety of athletes in Uganda. Athletics Uganda, the national governing body for the sport, has called for increased security for athletes, both during training and competition.

Conclusion

The attack on Rebecca Cheptegei is a shocking reminder of the dangers that athletes face in some parts of the world. It is important that the authorities take steps to ensure the safety of athletes, and that those responsible for this attack are brought to justice.