Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who represented Uganda in the women’s marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, is in critical condition at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital (MTRH) in Eldoret, Kenya.

Cheptegei was admitted on Monday after her boyfriend allegedly attacked her, dousing her with petrol and setting her on fire.

The boyfriend also sustained serious burns and is being treated at the same hospital. Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah Ole Kosiom confirmed that an investigation into the matter is underway.

Cheptegei’s parents, Joseph Cheptegei and Agnes Ndiema, reported that she was initially admitted to Kitale Level Four Hospital but was later referred to MTRH.

The parents, who had traveled to Trans Nzoia to learn about the attack, stated that Rebecca had been living in a house she built on land she purchased in Trans Nzoia for training purposes, although she resides in Cheminy, Uganda.

The incident occurred on Monday, and the parents have since rushed to Trans Nzoia to be with their daughter. The situation is currently under investigation by local authorities.