Paris to honor Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei by naming sports venue after her
The city of Paris will honor Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei by dedicating a sports venue in her memory, the capital’s mayor, Anne Hidalgo, announced on Friday. Cheptegei, who participated in the women’s marathon during the Paris Olympics last month, tragically passed away on Thursday from severe burns inflicted during a violent domestic incident.
A promising career cut short
Cheptegei, 33, made her Olympic debut at the Paris Games, where she finished 44th in the marathon. Mayor Hidalgo praised her during the announcement, stating, “She dazzled us here in Paris. Her beauty, her strength, her freedom, and it was in all likelihood her beauty, strength, and freedom which were intolerable for the person who committed this murder.”
remainHidalgo emphasized that Paris will not forget her, adding, “We’ll dedicate a sports venue to her so that her memory and her story remain among us.”
The athlete was attacked in her home in Kenya by her partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who doused her with petrol and set her on fire in front of her children. Cheptegei suffered burns on 80% of her body before succumbing to her injuries. Her death, labeled a “violent murder” by the United Nations, has led to widespread outrage and calls for action against gender-based violence.
International response
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Cheptegei, calling her a “versatile runner” with much still to offer the sport. Coe revealed ongoing discussions within World Athletics to strengthen safeguarding policies, aiming to protect athletes from abuse both within and outside the sport.
The tragedy has sparked strong reactions from leaders in Uganda and Kenya. Uganda’s First Lady, Janet Museveni, shared her distress over Cheptegei’s death, while Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen said it serves as a stark reminder that more must be done to combat gender-based violence.
Remembering Rebecca Cheptegei
The Paris Olympic organizers also expressed their sadness, voicing their “profound indignation and sadness” at the athlete’s untimely death. Cheptegei’s memory will live on through the Paris venue dedicated in her honor, a reminder of the strength and promise she embodied both on and off the track.