Episode 11- The Torch Extinguished: An Olympic Runner's Tragic End
In this episode we discuss Rebecca Cheptegei who was a distinguished Ugandan long-distance runner, renowned for her achievements in cross country, mountain, and marathon running. She held the national record in the marathon and clinched the World champion title in mountain running. She made her Olympic debut in the women's marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics.
Tragically, on September 1, 2024, Cheptegei was attacked near her home by her former partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who doused her with petrol and set her alight, reportedly over a land dispute. She sustained burns to over 80% of her body and succumbed to multiple organ failure on September 5, 2024.
Cheptegei's untimely death at the age of 33 shocked the athletic community and highlighted issues of domestic violence in the region. Her legacy as a talented athlete continues to inspire many in Uganda and beyond.
The information shared in this episode is based on highly reliable sources available online, including the following articles from BBC: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/czjyzv4l711o
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cd6y9j5wl31o
https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c0494wl6lkgo
The clip used in this podcast is from the Barbie Movie and is used for review and commentary purposes under fair use.
Photos include: Rebecca Chaptegei, her murderer Dickson Ndiema Marangach, and 2 more photos of Rebecca doing what she loved: Running!
