McColgan calls for end to domestic violence after Olympian set on fire by ex

Scottish long-distance runner Eilish McColgan has pleaded for an end to domestic violence following the “heartbreaking” death of Ugandan athlete Rebecca Cheptegei.

Cheptegei died on Thursday morning at a Kenyan hospital where she was being treated after being set on fire in a “vicious attack by her boyfriend”.

The 33-year-old finished 44th in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics less than a month before the attack.

Uganda Olympic Committee president Donald Rukare wrote on X: “We have learnt of the sad passing on of our Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei following a vicious attack by her boyfriend.

“May her gentle soul rest in peace and we strongly condemn violence against women.

“This was a cowardly and senseless act that has led to the loss of a great athlete. Her legacy will continue to endure.”

McColgan, who competed in the 10,000m in Paris, wrote on X: “This is heartbreaking.

“Even more heartbreaking that it’s not the first time the athletics community has lost such an incredible female athlete to domestic violence. It needs to stop! RIP Rebecca.”

The Uganda Athletics Federation also paid tribute to Cheptegei on X, writing: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of our athlete, Rebecca Cheptegei early this morning who tragically fell victim to domestic violence.

“As a federation, we condemn such acts and call for justice. May her soul rest In Peace.”