A Tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei: Paris to Name Sports Facility in Her Honour

Paris has announced plans to honor Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei by naming a sports facility after her. Cheptegei, a marathon runner who recently competed in the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, tragically lost her life following a brutal attack in Kenya. The decision, made by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, aims to ensure that Cheptegei's memory endures and symbolizes the message of equality promoted by the Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Rebecca Cheptegei, 33, made her Olympic debut at the Paris Games, finishing 44th in the women's marathon. Less than a month later, she became a victim of a horrific act of gender-based violence. She was set on fire by her partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, during a dispute at their home in Kenya’s Trans Nzoia County. Cheptegei sustained burns to 80% of her body and succumbed to her injuries four days later in a Kenyan hospital.

Cheptegei's death marks the third instance of a prominent sportswoman being killed in Kenya since 2021, highlighting the persistent issue of violence against women in the country. Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen called her death a "loss to the entire region," while Uganda's Athletes Commission Chair, Ganzi Semu Mugula, emphasized the need for a society that respects and protects the dignity of every individual.

Paris Mayor Hidalgo expressed her sorrow over the tragic incident, stating, "We saw her beauty, her strength, her freedom. Paris will not forget her." Hidalgo’s decision to dedicate a sports venue in her memory is not only a tribute to Cheptegei’s athletic achievements but also a call to uphold the values of equality and justice, a core message of the Olympic movement.

This tribute serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle against gender-based violence and the importance of creating safe spaces for women worldwide. The sports facility named after Rebecca Cheptegei will stand as a symbol of her strength and resilience, continuing her legacy beyond her untimely death.

By naming this facility after Cheptegei, Paris hopes to keep her memory alive and promote a global message of gender equality and the empowerment of women in sports and society