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      Who was Rebecca Cheptegei? Olympic runner died after ‘petrol attack by ex-boyfriend’

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      REBECCA Cheptegei tragically died when her boyfriend allegedly doused her in petrol and set her on fire. The Ugandan athlete, 33, had recently competed in the marathon at the 2024 Paris Olympics.Rebecca Cheptegei tragically died after being set on fire, allegedly by her ex-boyfriendCredit: AlarmyRebecca had competed at the Paris 2024 OlympicsCredit: AFPWho was Rebecca Cheptegei? The Olympian competed in cross country, long distance and marathon events. Rebecca was born on February 22, 1991, in Uganda and began racing in 2010.According to her Olympics bio, she was a soldier and trained with the Uganda Peoples’ Defence Forces.The runner’s final competition was at in the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics.Read more in crimeShe sadly died months later after her ex-boyfriend allegedly attacked her at her home on September 1, 2024.What happened to Rebecca Cheptegei? Local police chief Jeremiah Ole Kosiom told local reporters that Rebecca and her ex-boyfriend Dickson Ndiema were heard arguing outside their home in western Trans Nzoia County, Kenya. He said: “During the altercation, the boyfriend was seen pouring a liquid on the woman before burning her”.Rebecca suffered from burns on over 75 per cent of her body as a result of the attack.Most read in AthleticsShe was rushed to an intensive care unit at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Kenya, but sadly passed away from her injuries on September 5, 2024. According to Kenyan newspaper The Nation, a five-litre jerry can, a bag, and a burned phone were discovered at the scene of the incident.Rebecca’s ex-boyfriend also suffered from burn injuries as a result of the attack and was rushed to hospital. The attack had come after a report published in January 2023 found that 34% of women in Kenya (above the age of 15) had experienced physical violence. There have been several high-profile murders of women in Kenya in recent years, including the death of runner Agnes Tirop who was found stabbed to death in her home in October 2021. Her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, is on trial for her murder but denies the charges.Who has paid tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei? The Ugandan Athletics Federation paid tribute to RebeccaCredit: AP: Associated PressThousands of fans and several sports bodies have paid tribute to the incredible runner. The Ugandan Athletics Federation said: “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.”Rebecca’s father, Joseph Cheptegei, told reporters that he prayed for “justice for my daughter”.He also said that his daughter and her ex-husband had been embroiled in a property dispute, before her death.What did Rebecca Cheptegei achieve during her career?Rebecca had just competed at the Paris 2024 Olympics before she died on September 1, 2024. She raced against her fellow athletes in the Olympic marathon, where she finished 44th. When Rebecca qualified for the Olympics, she set a new personal best of 2:22:47 at the Abu Dhabi Marathon in December 2022.READ MORE SUN STORIESThe Ugandan athlete also previously finished fourth in the half marathon at the 2024 African Games, as well as finishing in 14th place in the 2023 World Championship Marathon. Before this, she finished in 14th place at the marathon at the 2023 World Championships More

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      British star upgraded to Paralympics bronze after gold medal winner disqualified and banned from second event

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      BRIT sprinter Zac Shaw will leave Paris 2024 with a medal after a rival was DISQUALIFIED from the T12 100m.Shaw initially finished the race in fourth place, with Turkey’s Serkan Yildirim, USA’s Noah Malone and Brazil’s Joeferson Marinho de Oliveira taking home the gold, silver and bronze medals respectively.ParalympicsGB star Zac Shaw missed out on a bronze medal in the T12 100m finalCredit: GETTYBut the disqualification of race winner Serkan Yildirim has resulted in him medallingCredit: GETTYBut the retrospective disqualification of race winner Yildirim due to the discovery of his ineligibility to compete has seen ParalympicsGB star Shaw bumped up to the bronze medal position.A World Para Athletics statement read: “On the morning of 30 August, World Para Athletics (WPA) was notified of a without notice interim injunction issued by a single judge in the Bonn regional court, requiring the NPC Turkey athlete, Mr Serkan Yildirim, to be entered into the Para-athletics men’s 100m T12 and 400m T12 medal events at the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games.”WPA was not provided with notice of the proceedings, or any opportunity to participate in them.”Under both the WPA classification rules and the WPA qualification regulations for Paris 2024 an athlete with a Sport Class Status ‘Review’, such as Mr Yildirim, is not eligible to compete.READ MORE PARALYMPICS NEWS”Solely in order to comply with the court order, WPA permitted Mr Yildirim to compete in the men’s 100m T12 event, pending the outcome of WPA’s appeal against the injunction.”WPA has now successfully appealed the injunction and the injunction has been lifted by the court with immediate effect.”The results of Mr Yildirim in the men’s 100m T12 medal event have been disqualified, with all resulting consequences. “The medals from the men’s 100m T12 medal event will be reallocated.Most read in Athletics”WPA appreciates the patience”WPA appreciates the patience and professionalism shown by the other teams and athletes affected by these proceedings.BEST FREE BET SIGN UP OFFERS FOR UK BOOKMAKERSChannel 4’s Paralympics Line-UpChannel 4 have a star-studded line-up of hosts and pundits for their coverage of the 2024 Paralympics”WPA is unable to provide further substantive comment at this point in time.”Shaw, 28, has yet to react to the news, although ParalympicsGB fans were over the moon at his retrospective winning of bronze.Heartbreaking moment Brit certain for Paralympics 2024 gold suddenly crashes and collapses onto velodrome floorOne said: “So well deserved! I hope he gets his moment on the podium!”Another said: “What ! Wow! Amazing.”And another said: “Congratulations @shawzac on winning a bronze medal so happy for you.”One remarked: “Fantastic news Zac so happy for you.”Another chimed in: “Wooooo @shawzac bringing home a medal fully deserved.” More

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      Transgender parent-of-two Valentina Petrillo, 50, qualifies for Paralympics 2024 women’s 400m semi-final

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      AN ITALIAN runner who was born male has become the second transgender athlete to compete in the 64-year history of the Paralympics.Valentina Petrillo, 50, has a visual impairment and competed in the heats of the women’s T12 400m class on day five of the Paris Games.Valentina Petrillo of Team Italy made history during the Women’s 400m T12 Round 1 Heats on day five of the ParalympicsCredit: GETTYThe 50-year-old became the second transgender athlete to compete in the Games in its 64-year historyCredit: GETTYPetrillo was born a male and underwent hormone therapy in 2019Credit: GETTYPetrillo, who does not require a guide, qualified for tonight’s semi-finals at the Stade de France with a time of 58.35 seconds as she finished behind Alejandra Paola Perez Lopez of Venezuela in heat four but ahead of China’s Shen Yaqin.Without requiring the use of a guide runner, parent-of-two Petrillo qualified sixth overall and will be in contention for the podium spots at the Paras.She said: Petrillo said: “The atmosphere in the stadium is great, it’s just a dream come true. We are here finally, it’s September 2, 2024, let’s sign this historical date (in our diary).“From today I don’t want to hear anything more about discrimination, prejudices against transgender people.READ MORE PARALYMPICS NEWS“There are lots of people dying only for being trans, people are killed because they are trans, people commit suicide because they are trans and lose their jobs, or (they are) are not included in sport.“But I made it. If I can make it, everyone can make it. I thought about Paris from the day I knew I was not making it to Tokyo. I am here now. Finally, I made it.”In 2017, the disabled star shocked her wife, the mother of their two children, when she revealed she wanted to become a transgender woman – and within two years, she was undergoing hormone therapy.Running as a male, Petrillo won 11 Italian para-athletics titles but has started to win medals on the international stage since switching to female-only events.Most read in AthleticsIn March 2023, World Athletics – the governing body of able-bodied track-and-field – took a firm stance on this controversial topic.Officials decided to exclude male-to-female transgender athletes who had gone through male puberty from competing in international events for women.Imane Khelif wins Olympic gold in women’s welterweight final after huge gender row that has grabbed worldwide attentionSeb Coe, the president of the governing body, said “decisive action” was taken “to protect the female category in our sport”.While some might feel that Petrillo has a considerable physical advantage, despite being in her sixth decade on the planet, the International Paralympic Committee refused to implement any ban, saying they do not have any “framework” of rules.Channel 4’s Paralympics Line-UpChannel 4 have a star-studded line-up of hosts and pundits for their coverage of the 2024 ParalympicsA IPC spokesperson said: “We have had one previous transgender athlete at the Paralympic Games. “This was a Rio 2016 Paralympian who represented the Netherlands.“Our framework is very clear. The IPC have no specific rules on transgender.“It’s the responsibility of the international federations, which is a very similar approach to the IOC (International Olympic Committee).”Not everybody is convinced and some want a suspension to come into force.Germany’s Katrin Mueller-Rottgardt, who competes in the women’s long jump, said: “Basically, everyone should live in everyday life the way they feel comfortable, but I find it difficult in competitive sports.“Petrillo has lived and trained as a man for a long time, so there is a possibility that the physical requirements are different to those of someone who was born as a woman.Valentina Petrillo wants to be a role model for other transgender peopleCredit: GETTY”This could give an advantage.”Petrillo said: “I’m happy as a woman and running as a woman is all I want. I couldn’t ask for more.“I dream of a future where no one has to hear stories like mine anymore.“For 44 years I had no tools, I thought I was the only one in the world experiencing this situation.”I was born in Naples in the Seventies, where the ‘femminielli’ were considered the ‘scum’ of society.READ MORE SUN STORIES“I had an older relative who declared that she was trans and she was kicked out of the house by her father. I was scared and hid.“I dream of a future in which there are no longer children, girls, teenagers, forced to hide, to be afraid, to not be able to express themselves for who they are: in the family, in society, in everyday activities.” More

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      Watch ‘ridiculous’ moment 16-year-old sprint sensation Gout Gout runs 100m in 10.2secs after ‘turning into Forest Gump’

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      TEENAGE sprinter Gout Gout left spectators stunned after running 100 metres in just 10.2 seconds.The 16-year-old recorded the sensational time at this year’s Queensland Athletics Championships in Australia.Gout Gout ran 100m in just 10.2 seconds earlier this yearCredit: XThe 16-year-old finished the race around 10 yards in front of his fellow competitorsCredit: XHe spent the first 40 metres in line with his competitors but quickly pulled into a commanding lead.Gout finished the race at least 10 yards in front of the second-place athlete.The video of his incredible sprint surfaced on social media this week.And people couldn’t believe just how fast he was.READ MORE IN SPORTOne person took to X to comment: “That is simply incredible!”Another said: “His name is Gout Gout, remember the name. No way is this kid not gonna be an Olympian one day.”A third wrote: “Wow! He looks like he’s gliding along at the end.”While a fourth joked: “Turns into Forest Gump half way through, apparently he’s still running to this day.”Most read in AthleticsIn April 2023, aged just 15, Gout broke the Australian under-18 men’s 200m record with a time of 20.87 seconds.He said: “It means a lot because I’ve been training so much for this. I was really nervous. The gun went, and I was good and I just kept pushing. It’s like you can’t feel any ground contact, it feels like you are floating.Fans try to match the athlete to their sport in this Olympics challenge!”This season has been mind-blowing for me. Last year I came fourth and sixth at nationals, and then I came out at All Schools and won.”I was really motivated because I took last year personally, it always feels better when you are winning.”Gout was born in Queensland, Australia to parents from South Sudan.His parents moved to Australia two years before he was born. More

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      Olympic beauty Alysha Newman reveals what fans ask her to do on OnlyFans after twerking celebration went viral

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      STUNNING pole vaulter Alysha Newman has seen scores of fans subscribe to her OnlyFans account after her Olympic success.The Canadian, 30, won bronze at Paris 2024 – earning praise for her smiley demeanour and winning personality.Stunning Alysha Newman has seen a rise in subscribers on OnlyFans after her Olympic successGorgeous Newman starred at Paris 2024 and won bronze in the pole vaultNewman went viral after celebrating her medal by twerkingWhile her confidence was captured brilliantly by TV cameras when she was caught twerking in celebration after clearing 4.85m to earn a medal.But her subscribers on OnlyFans know Newman only too well for her sass and cheek on the online adult subscription platform.The blonde beauty set up her account three years ago, when Covid robbed athletes of exposure at Tokyo 2021.And ever since her content, which includes training sessions, sexy lingerie photoshoots and videos, has continued to be a massive pull.Read more Alysha Newman newsSpeaking to SunSport about gaining more followers, she revealed: “I felt that, with or without the medal, getting the exposure on the worldwide stage would give me an additional fanbase.”I was really excited because I was with people who have been with me since 2021, but now I have all these new fans that are like, ‘Oh my gosh, she was so fun and entertaining’.”What I have been hearing the most is people telling they have never been more interested in the women’s pole vault and that makes my heart so excited.”Because, in the past, I think it’s true that my personality was more related than the actual sport.”Most read in AthleticsGiving the fans what they wantNewman is one of many sports stars who make extra cash on OnlyFans.She charges subscribers £10-per-month who have the opportunity to view content, some racy, some professional, and interact with her.Meet the sexiest athletes of the 2024 Paris OlympicsOther famous athletes who use OnlyFans include tennis star Nick Kyrgios, ex-UFC fighter Paige Van Zant and boxer Ebanie Bridges.Newman told SunSport what her fans ask to see from her online.She said: “I always get strange requests.”I get excited about what people ask for, it gives me a good insight into what people are thinking about me.”Lots of people have asked for photos of all my medals lined up – they love that stuff.”It’s different stuff that I never thought would be intriguing, and it just shows you how unique and cool the human brain is and how different everyone is.”So it’s been fun to create that content, to help them feel like they’ve been seen.”I’ll work with my photographers and videographers and say, ‘This person wants this set up, how do we make that come to life for them?'”It’s a different way of creating content for individuals I have connected with over the past five years.”Alysha Newman competes in the pole vault final in ParisCredit: APAlysha’s delight at coming third at the OIympicsCredit: APNewman’s winning personalty shows in competition and onlineCredit: GettySome glam content is shared on Newman’s OnlyFans platformCredit: Instagram / @alyshanewmanNewman revealed she gives the fans content that they want to seeCredit: https://www.instagram.com/alyshanewman/Fear of joining OnlyFansOnlyFans has been accused of peddling illicit content, including pornography in the past.Newman admitted she had her reservations at joining the platform initially.She told us: “My first discussion was with my family. “I said, ‘I know there’s a lot of stigma behind this website, and this is new to me, but what do you think?””I remember my sister said, ‘If you don’t try, how would you ever know?'”And she was right. If I didn’t go on it then, then I wouldn’t be on it now. Clearly something resonated with me and it changed my life completely.”You get to be who you want. I’ve said as the years have gone on that I could be the person who changes that stigma about OnlyFans.”It was important for me to show other athletes that they can join and it can be a safe community.”That’s been a key part of my messaging. Other athletes have seen the content I have put out and have been shocked because they expected it to be different because of their perception of OnlyFans.”I know I won’t get everybody to change their mindset, that’s not my goal.A lot of people that don’t like what I do are a lot of people I won’t take personal opinions from.”Newman revealed she enjoys having complete control over the content she puts outAlthough Newman had her reservations about OnlyFans at first”But I have a community that loves me and supports me. It’s a safe space where people feel they can join me on this journey and I can let the rest go.”There were a couple times of, early on, when I had second thoughts and wondered if I should be doing it.”But my family told me to hold out, try it at the Olympics in Tokyo, and see how you feel about it.”A lot of people that don’t like what I do are a lot of people I won’t take personal opinions from.”Inspiration from her fansNewman is thankful to her OnlyFans fanbase, who she said empower her when she’s feeling down. “I’ve said this so many times – without fans there wouldn’t be sport. I’m well aware of that. That medal I received is just as much their’s as it is mine,” she said.”They brought me so much energy, and the people that have been with me since 2021 have only been encouraging me.”They have been the ones that have told me, ‘You’ve got this’ on days when I haven’t been feeling my best.”It’s been a platform I never would’ve expected I would have liked over all the other platforms.READ MORE SUN STORIESNewman started her OnlyFans account in 2021Credit: https://www.instagram.com/alyshanewman/Initially, Newman set the account up so fans can follow her at the Tokyo OlympicsCredit: ReutersHer account snowballed and has now become a community and safe space for Newman”It was just something I wanted to share with other people when Covid came and nobody could be at the Olympics in Tokyo, and it has snowballed.”It is this huge community now, which I am so thankful for.” More

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      Why is Denise Lewis stepping down as a BBC pundit?

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      DENISE LEWIS has been a key part of the BBC’s athletics coverage over the years, particularly at the Olympics. But the Paris 2024 games will be her last in the Beeb studio as she has decided to step down from her punditry role. Denise Lewis will no longer carry out her punditry role for the BBCCredit: GettyLewis became a legendary athlete for Team GB, winning heptathlon bronze at the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. She followed that up by winning gold in Sydney four years later, quickly becoming a household name. Lewis also won two World Championship silvers, a European gold and two Commonwealth golds. Why is Denise Lewis stepping down as a BBC pundit?Lewis, 51, has been on our screens since 2009 but after a 15-year run she’s calling it quits.READ MORE ON DENISEThe Birmingham-born legend is set to return to her job as the President of UK Athletics.The news was announced on-air in the Stade de France studio with an emotional montage just one day before the end of the Paris 2024 Olympics.Legendary American sprinter Michael Johnson handed Lewis some flowers immediately after and Jessica Ennis-Hill wished her idol all the best for the future. Presenter Gabby Logan said: “I’m a super fan and I got to call her a colleague.Most read in Olympics”Denise, you’re generous, kind, fun and brilliant to work with. We are going to miss you so much – not just you’re athletics expertise but as a person.”We wish you all the very best. They have chosen the right person for the job.”Denise Lewis OBE on career challenges, inspirations and winning Olympic goldLewis said: “It’s a sad farewell, honestly, the best team. “Gabby at the helm, Jess, MJ and the whole production team, they are all here.”They make this programme what it is, all the runners over the years, they have been the most supportive, our fantastic editors, it has been a journey.”Denise also praised her former colleagues on Instagram posting a montage of pictures.She shared: For me it’s always about the people and over the last 15 years I’ve worked alongside some of the best. “Thank you @colinrayjackson for guiding me through those nerve wracking first few days when I joined the BBC sport team in 2009. “A massive thank you to the production teams, lighting & camera crews. Floor managers, runners and statisticians. Glam squad. We’ve had a hoot!”I’ll still be watching my favourite sport but from a different seat… hopefully the next seat will be cushioned.”Denise stepped down from the UK Athletics presidency in February 2024, after concerns over integrity were raised due to her decision to continue working as an athletics pundit for BBC Sport.At the time she said: “I’ve had to make the difficult decision to temporarily step away from my role as UKA president – with the upcoming Olympics and a hectic summer ahead.READ MORE SUN STORIES”I would only want to accept the role when it can have my full attention.”Denise has been a key part of the BBC athletics commentary team since 2009, after retiring from the sport in 2005. More

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      New Zealand high jumper goes viral after going UNDER the bar.. but has perfect response by later winning the gold medal

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      OLYMPICS star Hamish Kerr has gone viral for his high jump disaster despite going on to win the gold medal.Fans watching the men’s final last night were left in hysterics after he bizarrely threw himself under the bar.Hamish Kerr bizarrely threw himself under the barThe New Zealander has become an internet sensation after diving straight on the matCredit: ReutersBut he recovered to win the gold medalCredit: APKerr picked up speed as he approached the jump but surprisingly decided to bail out of the attempt at the last minute.The New Zealander instead dived straight onto the mat to the confusion of viewers.Kerr’s unusual flop has been turned into a meme, with the clip being viewed millions of times on social media.Fans hilariously captioned it: “Me to the sofa when I get home from work.”READ MORE IN OLYMPICSAnother joked: “When someone tells me the bar has been raised and they believe in me.”A third laughed: “How I dive into bed.”More commented: “Me playing Mario and Sonic at the Olympics and I forget to press the jump button.”But Kerr brilliantly responded to his poor effort and went on to win gold amid a controversial end.Most read in AthleticsOLYMPICS FREE BETS – SIGN UP OFFERS AND DEAL FOR PARIS 2024The 27-year-old and Team USA’s Shelby McEwen were tied at the end of the event and turned down the chance to share gold in favour of a jump-off to decide a winner.Both Kerr and McEwen were joint-top after clearing 2.36m but chose not to share first place.Naughtiest Olympic BlundersThey instead agreed to golden goal-style finish, with the bar set at 2.34m.Kerr got over it as McEwen then failed and had to accept silver.BBC’s Olympics line-up in fullPresenters:Clare BaldingGabby LoganHazel IrvineIsa GuhaJeanette KwakyeJJ ChalmersMark ChapmanStudio guests:Beth TweddleChris HoyDenise LewisFred SirieixJessica Ennis-HillKate Richardson-WalshKatherine GraingerLaura KennyMark FosterMichael JohnsonNicola AdamsRebecca AdlingtonTonia CouchRadio:Adrian ChilesEleanor OldroydKelly CatesMark ChapmanNaga MunchettyTony Livesey More

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      BBC pundit, 51, announces she’s quitting live on TV and reveals new job in emotional scenes

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      DENISE LEWIS said an emotional goodbye to the BBC as she quit her job as a pundit to start a new career. The 51-year-old has been on screens since 2009 and announced her shock departure live on TV. Denise Lewis said an emotional farewell to the BBCHer colleagues gave her a huge send-off, with Micheal Johnson handing her a bunch of flowersLewis brilliantly dropped her mic as she said goodbyeAs the Olympics athletics action came to a close in Paris, Lewis revealed she was taking up a new job as President of UK Athletics.Presenter Gabby Logan and colleagues Jessica Ennis-Hill and Michael Johnson gave the Sydney 2000 gold medallist an incredible send-off.After an stunning montage of her best moments, the American runner gave Lewis a huge bunch of flowers and said: “We love you and we are going to miss you. It’s been amazing working with you.”Ennis-Hill added: “I grew up watching you and was inspired by you. Now I’ve got to sit next to you. READ MORE IN OLYMPICS”It’s been such an honour and thank you for guiding me. Wish you all the best.”Logan said: “I’m a superfan and I got to call her a colleague. “Denise, you’re generous, kind, fun and brilliant to work with. We are going to miss you so much – not just you’re athletics expertise but as a person.”We wish you all the very best. They have chosen the right person for the job.Most read in AthleticsCASINO SPECIAL – BEST CASINO WELCOME OFFERSLewis looked emotional as she said: “It’s a sad farewell, honestly, the best team. Gabby at the helm, Jess, MJ and the whole production team, they are all here.”They make this programme what it is, all the runners over the years, they have been the most supportive, our fantastic editors, it has been a journey.”BBC pundit, 51, announces she’s quitting live on TV and reveals new job in emotional scenesLewis then brilliantly signed off by dropping her microphone on the table to huge cheers from behind-the-scenes BBC employees.Opening up on her new role, the former heptathlon star explained: “It’s time to try to help develop the sport that has been so amazing to me.”I would not be in this position if I had not dared to dream, had a club, all the volunteers that make the clubs what they need to be.”I will be working with the membership, predominately grassroots as that is where the work needs to be done.”We need to make sure the pipeline to events like this [Olympics].”We need to encourage local communities to get involved with athletics.”BBC’s Olympics line-up in fullPresenters:Clare BaldingGabby LoganHazel IrvineIsa GuhaJeanette KwakyeJJ ChalmersMark ChapmanStudio guests:Beth TweddleChris HoyDenise LewisFred SirieixJessica Ennis-HillKate Richardson-WalshKatherine GraingerLaura KennyMark FosterMichael JohnsonNicola AdamsRebecca AdlingtonTonia CouchRadio:Adrian ChilesEleanor OldroydKelly CatesMark ChapmanNaga MunchettyTony Livesey More