Rebecca Cheptegei: Ugandan Olympian laid to rest amid tributes from athletics world

Tears flowed as athletes, dignitaries, and mourners paid tribute to Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, tragically killed in Kenya.

Top athletes, dignitaries, and hundreds of mourners paid their last respects on Saturday to Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei, who was laid to rest in her home district of Bukwo, Eastern Uganda.

The 33-year-old athlete’s tragic death followed injuries sustained after being set ablaze by her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, in a brutal attack near her training base in north-west Kenya.

Despite doctors' efforts, she succumbed to her injuries four days later due to multi-organ failure caused by severe burns covering more than 80% of her body.

At the emotional farewell, Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his deep sorrow, pointing to the challenges his daughter faced in her personal life.

"If the first husband had loved my daughter, Cheptegei wouldn't have died the way she did. When they got a misunderstanding and Rebecca went to Kenya, the husband sold her properties (plots of land). My daughter had a lot of family challenges. She was lucky to be able to have two daughters," Joseph shared as per New Vision.

The ceremony, which began with a memorial service held by local leaders, was marked by moments of silence and a standing ovation as the community came together to honor the fallen athlete.

Cheptegei, who had risen from humble beginnings, was remembered not only for her athletic achievements but also for her impact on the local community.

"She lived a simple and focused life and always offered guidance to her fellow athletes," one of the councillors remarked.

"She inspired many children in the area to join athletics."

Cheptegei’s coffin, draped in the Ugandan flag, stood at the center of the ceremony, underscoring the significance of her contributions both as an athlete and a soldier.

Having joined the Uganda People’s Defence Forces in 2008, the Olympian received full military honors at her burial.

Her role in the military played a crucial part in her early athletic career, providing the support she needed to rise in the competitive world of long-distance running.

Though her last race at the Paris Olympics saw her finish 44th, Cheptegei remained a celebrated figure in her home region, where locals continued to refer to her as "champion."

One of her most significant victories came in 2022 when she claimed gold at the World Mountain and Trail Running Championships in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Her legacy as a trailblazer for aspiring athletes was further solidified during the funeral, with local officials proposing to name a road and a sports venue in her honor.

Rebecca Cheptegei’s tragic end came when her former boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, attacked her outside her home following a church service at God's Dwelling Ministry.

Ndiema, who also sustained burns from the petrol he had splashed, died days later from his injuries.

The murder, which shocked the Ugandan and Kenyan communities, has sparked conversations about domestic violence and the need for better support systems for women, particularly those facing personal and financial difficulties.

Cheptegei's contributions to both Uganda’s athletic scene and her local community will not be forgotten.

"She was a true role model," one mourner said, reflecting on the late athlete’s journey from an unknown runner to a national hero.

In the end, Rebecca Cheptegei was not just an Olympian. She was a mother, a soldier, and an inspiration to many young athletes who saw her as a symbol of determination and resilience.

Her tragic death has left a deep void in the world of sports but her legacy will undoubtedly continue to inspire future generations.