it is with deep sorrow and heartbreak that we bring you a tragic story from the world of Athletics Rebecca chip a 33-year-old Ugandan marathon runner who recently competed at the parie Olympics has succumbed to injuries after being dowed in petrol and set on fire by former boyfriend in a horrific act of violence this devastating incident has sent shock waves through the global Sports community and has sped urgent discussions about the rising tide of violent against female athletes in East Africa Rebecca shap was not just an athlete she was a symbol of resilience and determination born in Uganda she had a passing for longdistance running that saw her rise through the ranks to compete internationally at a 2022 World mountain and trial running championships in shangai Thailand she proudly won a good medal solidifying a place among the world's top marathon rers she also represented the country at the parie Olympics finishing 44th in a highly competitive marathon Race but beyond her achievements Rebecca was a mother a daughter and a beloved figure in her community on a faithful Sunday Rebecca was returning home from church with her two children in the small town of endus in Northwestern Kenya where she lived andt trained unbeknownst to her she was about to face an unthinkable tragedy Witnesses report that Rebecca and her former boyfriend were seen arguing outside her house moments later a horrifying scene unfolded her ex partner driven by rage and Desperation allegedly poured petrol on hair and set her on fire neighbors acted swiftly to rescue Rebecca but the damage was was already done both she and her attacker sustained severe burns though Rebecca's injuries were far more critical she was rushed to the Moy teaching and referral Hospital in eldoret where doctors fought to save her life Dr Owen maak the head of Hospital described the accident of her injuries as life-threatening despite the medical team's best efforts all organs eventually failed leading to her tragic death the news of Rebecca's death has packed outrage and deep sorrow across the athletic Community Uganda Athletics Federation released a statement saying we are deeply sudden to announce the passing of our athlete Rebecca chipi who tragically fell victim to domestic violence as a federation we condemn such acts and call for justice May her soul rest in peace Rebecca's Father Joseph sheepy in his grief streak King State spoke to reporters expressing his profound pain and calling for justice for his daughter he said I have never seen such an inhumane act in my life I pray for justice for my daughter his words resonate with a community that has been grappling with similar tragedies unfortunately rebeca's case is not an isolated incident in recent years there has been a disturbing rise in volence against female athletes in Kenya and surrounding regions rebeca's death follows the killings of two other prominent East African rapers Agnes Tero and Damaris Mutua both women were also found dead under grome circumstances with their Partners identified as the main suspects in Agnes Theo's case her husband is currently facing me charges which he denies while his search for damar's matua's boyfriend continues this violence is not not limited to female athletes in December of last year the gandon athlete Benjamin kiplagat was also stopped to death in Elder by unknown as salance the common threat in these cases is a failure by set segments of society to condemn such deadly misogyny and violence local police in Kenya have launched an investigation into the incident involving Rebecca shipy reports suggest that quarrel between Rebecca and her ex-boyfriend was over a piece of land she had purchased in trans inoa County where she built a house to be close to kenan's renowned athletic training [Music] centers while her ex-boyfriend is also receiving treatment for his b his condition is reported to be stable and improving authorities have not yet charged him but with public outcry growing louder there is Mountain pressure on law enforcement to ensure the justice is served Rebecca Chip's death is a stark reminder of the dangers that female athletes and women in general face even from those closest to them this tragedy underscores the urgent need for stronger legal Frameworks Community awareness and social change to protect women from such heinous acts of violence it also brings to light the vulnerability of athletes who often face threats not just on the field but in their personal lives the head of uganda's Olympic Committee Donal Rari emphasized that Rebecca's Legacy will continue to endure despite this cowardly and senseless act her death is not just a loss for Uganda but for the entire world of sports which stands United in grief and in the fight against domestic violence the story of Rebecca Shep is one that we must not forget her life was filled with a promise of greatness but it was casot by an act of brutality that should never have happened we must continue to stand against gender-based violence and support those who speak out against it let rebake his tragic end serve as a rallying Cry For Justice change and a better world where no woman has to fear for her life no matter who she is or where she comes from [Music]