Olympic runner hospitalized after being ‘set on fire by boyfriend’ following return from Paris games

Rebecca Cheptegei, an Olympic distance runner, suffered a 75% burn to her body during the ordeal.
According to authorities, a Ugandan athlete who lives in Kenya was burned by her lover and is currently undergoing treatment for 75% of her burn injuries. Distance runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who placed 44th in the 2024 Paris Olympics marathon with a time of two hours, 32 minutes, and 14 seconds, is said to have been attacked in her home in western Trans Nzoia County.


During a fight on Sunday (September 1), Dickson Ndiema, Cheptegei’s lover, bought a can of gasoline, poured it on her, and lit her on fire, according to Trans Nzoia police commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom.
Both Ndiema and herself are undergoing specialized care at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret City after Ndiema also suffered burn injuries.
Cheptegei’s parents said their daughter purchased land in Trans Nzoia so she could be close to the several sports training facilities in the county.

Before the fire started, the couple was heard fighting over the property where the house was erected, according to a report submitted by the local chief.

Local media sources report that Cheptegei’s condition is critical.
On social media, the Ugandan Athletics Federation (UAF) has addressed the issue.

“We regret to announce that our athlete Rebecca Cheptegei, who competed in the Olympics, has suffered severe injuries and is hospitalized at Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret,” the organization tweeted today (September 3).
People have subsequently offered their support for the Olympian as she heals from the traumatic incident.

“Wishing her a quick recovery,” one person wrote.
A second user expressed similar feelings, writing, “Sad to hear this. Wishing her a swift recovery.”
“There are no words. “Best wishes for her recovery,” said someone else.

A different person wrote, “This is so tragic.” I wish her a swift recovery and hope that she receives justice.
Sadly, Cheptegei’s case is not the first of its kind.
Damaris Muthee, a Kenyan-born Bahraini athlete, was discovered dead in 2022 after a post-mortem investigation revealed she had been strangled, while Agnes Tirop, a two-time World Athletics Championships bronze medalist, was found stabbed to death in 2021.

Old Man Helps Single Mom Fix Baby Stroller, Next Day Sees Private Jet Landing For Him

An elderly man steps in to help a struggling single mom when a wheel falls off her baby’s stroller. Days later, he finds himself aboard a private jet, en route to a tropical paradise.

At seventy-two, Joseph Benjamin had settled into a quiet, predictable routine. Widowed and with his two grown children living far away, Joe’s days were simple. He would wake with the sunrise, ride his bike to the bakery for fresh rolls, and spend his afternoons tinkering in his workshop. Life had become a calm, steady rhythm — until the day he met April and her baby, Emma.

That morning, Joe was cycling to the bakery when he spotted a young woman in a grey tracksuit, struggling with an old-fashioned stroller. One of the wheels had come loose, and she was desperately trying to fix it while her baby cried inside the uneven stroller.

“Excuse me,” Joe offered gently. “Do you need a hand?”

The woman looked up, tears filling her eyes. “Yes,” she said, her voice breaking. “I think I do.”

Seeing her distress, Joe awkwardly patted her shoulder. “It’s alright,” he reassured her. “We’ll have this stroller fixed in no time.”

The woman, wiping her tears, explained through sobs, “I should never have brought this old stroller out… it was mine when I was a baby. I guess I got nostalgic.”

Joe smiled warmly. “I understand that feeling. I saved all my children’s old toys, and my grandkids love them. Let’s see what we can do.”

He took out his tool kit from his bike and quickly diagnosed the problem — a loose lug nut. “It’s not broken, just needs tightening,” he said. “But you might want to take the baby out first. The wheel could give a bit of a jolt.”

As April picked up her baby, Joe worked on the stroller. A moment later, the wheel clicked back into place. “There you go,” Joe announced, “good as new!”

April smiled brightly, holding her baby close. “Thank you! You’ve saved my day. It’s my first one back in Cheyenne, and it was turning into a disaster.”

“Where were you before?” Joe asked.

“I was in California for college,” she replied.

“You’re lucky,” Joe said with a sigh. “I’ve never been to California or even seen the ocean.”

April’s face softened. “It’s beautiful there, but I wanted my daughter to grow up here, in my hometown.”

As they continued to chat, Joe shared his own story of rarely seeing his children and grandchildren. April, who introduced her baby as Emma, told him how much she missed her parents, who had passed away a year ago. Their conversation was easy, comforting.

“Why don’t you and Emma join an old man for coffee?” Joe suggested, pointing to his favorite café across the street. April gladly accepted, and they spent the rest of the morning together.

As they were leaving, April said, “Emma and I are going on a little trip tomorrow. How about you come with us?”

Surprised but delighted, Joe agreed. The next morning, a sleek black car with a chauffeur arrived at Joe’s home to pick him up. “Where are we going?” Joe asked, still in disbelief.

April, with a playful grin, replied, “It’s a surprise!” The car drove them straight onto the tarmac at a local airport, where a luxurious private jet awaited.

“Wait… what’s going on?” Joe asked, wide-eyed.

“We’re going to the beach,” April said, smiling. “You’re finally going to see the ocean!”

Joe could hardly believe it. He had never flown in his life, let alone traveled in a private jet. As they took off, Joe was overwhelmed with joy. “I can’t believe this! I’m actually flying — and I’ll see the ocean!”

April explained that she had inherited a private jet charter company from her parents, and she always had a plane ready for trips. From that day on, Joe became a regular guest on April and Emma’s vacations, becoming a surrogate grandfather to the little girl.

This story reminds us that life can bring unexpected joys. Joe thought he had seen everything life had to offer, but one small act of kindness opened the door to incredible new experiences. His simple gesture not only helped a young mom in need but also led to fulfilling his lifelong dream — proving that kindness truly has the power to change lives.

Share this story with others — it might brighten their day and inspire them to help someone in need.

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