Paris will pay tribute to Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who sadly lost her life in a horrific act of domestic violence, by naming a sports venue in her honor. The announcement was made by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, following Cheptegei’s participation in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics last month. The 33-year-old athlete succumbed to severe burns after being doused with petrol and set on fire by her boyfriend at her home in Kenya.
“She dazzled us here in Paris with her beauty, strength, and freedom,” Hidalgo said over the weekend. “It was in all likelihood these very qualities that were intolerable to the person who committed this murder. Paris will not forget her. We will dedicate a sports venue to her memory to ensure her story continues to inspire and carry the message of equality that the Olympic and Paralympic Games stand for.”
In a social media post, the Paris city hall expressed solidarity with Cheptegei’s family, calling her death a femicide and pledging to honor her legacy.
Rebecca Cheptegei made her Olympic debut in the women’s marathon at the Paris Games, where she finished 44th. Days after her return home, she was attacked by her Kenyan partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, who left her with burns covering 80 percent of her body. The attack took place in front of her two children, and Cheptegei later succumbed to her injuries. The United Nations condemned her death as a “violent murder,” sparking outrage across the globe.
World Athletics President Sebastian Coe expressed deep sorrow, stating, “Our sport has lost a talented athlete in the most tragic and unimaginable circumstances. Rebecca was an incredibly versatile runner with much more to give.” Coe also revealed ongoing discussions within World Athletics to enhance safeguarding policies to protect athletes from all forms of abuse, both inside and outside the sport.
The murder of Cheptegei has ignited calls for more action against gender-based violence. Uganda’s First Lady, Janet Museveni, described the tragedy as “deeply disturbing,” while Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen emphasized the need for stronger measures to combat domestic violence.
Cheptegei’s funeral will take place on September 14 in her home district of Bukwo in eastern Uganda. Paris Olympic organizers, alongside the global athletic community, continue to mourn her loss and express their profound sadness at her untimely death.
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