Exclusive Content:

California Officially Bans Legacy Admissions to Ensure Fair College Access for All

"The California Dream shouldn't just be accessible to a lucky few. We're opening the door to higher education for everyone, fairly."

Witches & Wellness: Casting a Spell on Your Self-Care Routine

The month of October is filled with ghosts, ghouls, skeletons, and monsters. But do you know what’s really scary? Not taking care of yourself! The changing of seasons provides the perfect time to reflect upon your routine, and implement self-care practices that can be done in the cool fall weather. 

Breast Health 101: Key Steps to Protect and Monitor Your Well-Being

Breast cancer prevention -- yes, it sounds scary, but...

Violence Against Black Women Athletes: Ugandan Runner Rebecca Cheptegei Set on Fire by Boyfriend

- Advertisement -spot_imgspot_img
Rebecca Cheptegei: CBS News

A shocking incident in Kenya has left a Ugandan Olympic runner fighting for her life. Rebecca Cheptegei, known for her incredible endurance, is now enduring a different kind of battle. After a brutal attack by her boyfriend, she suffers from burns covering 75% of her body.

Rebecca, who competed in the 2024 Paris Olympics and finished 44th in the marathon, was at her home in Trans Nzoia County when the attack happened. Her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, allegedly bought petrol, poured it over her, and set her on fire during a heated argument. Both Rebecca and Ndiema were burned and are receiving medical care at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret.

Rebecca’s parents revealed that she moved to Trans Nzoia to be near top-notch training facilities, investing in land to be part of the area’s athletic community. But instead of chasing her athletic dreams, she is now in a hospital bed, a victim of unimaginable violence.

Local authorities noted that the couple’s argument was over land ownership, which escalated into this tragic event. Violence against women, particularly Black women, is a disturbing trend. This horrific act against Rebecca echoes other violent incidents against athletes.

In 2023, another Ugandan athlete, Benjamin Kiplagat, was found dead with stab wounds. In 2022, Damaris Muthee, a Kenyan-born athlete competing for Bahrain, was strangled.

These heartbreaking stories raise urgent questions: Why are Black women and athletes targeted with such violence? What measures can be taken to ensure their safety and protection?

UPDATE: Rebecca Cheptegei has passed away after being set on fire by her former boyfriend. The 33-year-old athlete suffered critical burns and fought for her life for days before succumbing to her injuries. The attack happened outside her home in northwest Kenya after she returned from church with her two daughters.
Cheptegei’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, expressed his deep sorrow at the loss of his “very supportive” daughter. Fellow athletes, including James Kirwa, have praised her generosity and support for others in the running community.

In light of this tragedy, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced that a sports venue in the city would be named in honor of Cheptegei to ensure her story and legacy endure. Hidalgo recalled how Cheptegei “dazzled” during the Olympic Games and highlighted the message of equality that her life and achievements represent.
Joan Chelimo, a close friend and fellow athlete, expressed her sadness and emphasized the need for women to stand together. She noted that the rising independence and success of female athletes can sometimes intimidate men who cling to traditional norms. Chelimo hopes justice will be served in the wake of this devastating event.
Cheptegei’s tragic death highlights the ongoing struggles female athletes face as they challenge societal expectations. Her memory will live on through her accomplishments, her contributions, and the future sports venue bearing her name.

This incident has sparked a larger conversation around violence against women, especially those breaking traditional norms. We hope her family gets the comfort and justice they deserve.

Join the conversation!

Latest

California Officially Bans Legacy Admissions to Ensure Fair College Access for All

"The California Dream shouldn't just be accessible to a lucky few. We're opening the door to higher education for everyone, fairly."

Witches & Wellness: Casting a Spell on Your Self-Care Routine

The month of October is filled with ghosts, ghouls, skeletons, and monsters. But do you know what’s really scary? Not taking care of yourself! The changing of seasons provides the perfect time to reflect upon your routine, and implement self-care practices that can be done in the cool fall weather. 

Breast Health 101: Key Steps to Protect and Monitor Your Well-Being

Breast cancer prevention -- yes, it sounds scary, but...

The Power of Words: How “I Love You” Can Change a Life

While the phrase “I Love You” can seem a...

Newsletter

- Advertisement -spot_img

Don't miss

Women in Business: Toneka Wright

Movies empower, educate, entertain, and inspire. Romance, comedy, drama,...

Monique Rose: Cancer Survivor to Serial Entrepreneur

With a fifteen-year proven track record of increasing sales...

Being a voice for the voiceless: how a survivor wants to help victims of human trafficking

I am a 35-year-old survivor of human trafficking, and...

Women in Business Wednesday: Trina Sanchez

Izma Entertainment, founded in 2006, is a hybrid branding...

Empowered by: Atia Sherrod

Atia Sherrod is the founder of company, Lovethyself and...
Contributor
Contributor
This article written and submitted by third party.
spot_img

California Officially Bans Legacy Admissions to Ensure Fair College Access for All

"The California Dream shouldn't just be accessible to a lucky few. We're opening the door to higher education for everyone, fairly."

Afghan Women’s Rights: The Fight Against Oppression and Gender Bias

In Afghanistan, the Taliban's oppressive rule has restricted women's rights more than ever. As Hollywood actor Meryl Streep highlighted at the United Nations, a...

Former CIA Officer Sentenced for Drugging and Abusing Women: How Survivors Can Reclaim Their Power

Brian Jeffrey Raymond, a former CIA officer, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for drugging and sexually abusing multiple women. Over 14 years,...

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Subscribe to Our Newslleter

Stay up-to-date with the latest news, trends, and insights by signing up for our newsletter. Join our community of informed individuals and never miss out on important information again. Sign up now!

AI FILE

JOIN GLORIA WARD FOR THIS FREE MASTERCLASS

Gloria Ward helps you strategize, innovate, grow and profit in your business. Haven’t started a business yet? No worries. Come learn how you can get your business up and running in a little as 2 hours.

Enter your email address to watch the video free

AI FILE

How to talk to your kids about Divorce
Download the E-BOOK

AI FILE

It's Not All his Fault!
Download the E-BOOK