Paris, France – The French capital will pay tribute to Ugandan Olympian Rebecca Cheptegei by naming a sports facility in her honor. The decision comes in the wake of her tragic death at the hands of her boyfriend.
Cheptegei, a marathon runner who competed in the recent Paris Games, was set on fire by her partner in Kenya last week. The attack left her with severe burns, ultimately leading to her death on Thursday.
Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo expressed her deep sorrow over Cheptegei’s passing and praised her as a symbol of beauty, strength, and freedom. Hidalgo emphasized that Paris would not forget Cheptegei and would dedicate a sports venue to her as a lasting tribute.
The 33-year-old Olympian, who finished 44th in her debut Olympic Games, suffered burns to over 75% of her body in the horrific attack. Her death has sent shockwaves through the sports community and sparked renewed calls for action against gender-based violence.
Cheptegei is the third prominent sportswoman in Kenya to be killed in the past three years. The tragic incident has highlighted the urgent need for measures to protect the safety and well-being of female athletes.
Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen mourned Cheptegei’s loss as a significant blow to the entire region. Uganda’s Athletes commission Chair Ganzi Semu Mugula echoed this sentiment, calling for a commitment to creating a society that respects and protects the dignity of all individuals.
