Paris Plans to Name Venue After Slain Olympian

The city of Paris is taking steps to honor the memory of a Ugandan Olympic runner whose life was tragically cut short due to domestic violence. Rebecca Cheptegei passed away at a Kenyan hospital after suffering severe burns from an attack by her partner. At just 33 years old, Cheptegei’s passing has sent shockwaves through the athletic community and beyond.

Cheptegei had recently participated in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished in 44th place. Her death occurred less than a month after her notable Olympic appearance.

In response to this tragedy, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo has proposed that the city name a local sports venue after Cheptegei. This proposal is set to be discussed by city officials in October, highlighting the city’s commitment to remembering her legacy.

In a statement, the Paris city hall expressed its condolences, emphasizing their support for Cheptegei’s family and condemning the act of femicide that took her life. The statement highlighted the urgency of addressing violence against women, an issue that continues to plague societies worldwide.

The investigation into Cheptegei’s death reveals that her partner, Dickson Ndiema, doused her with gasoline and ignited the flames during a disagreement last Sunday. Following the incident, Ndiema also suffered burns and was hospitalized alongside Cheptegei. Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom provided these grim details as the tragedy unfolded.

President of the Ugandan Olympic Committee, Donald Rukare, publicly expressed his sorrow over Cheptegei’s untimely demise, denouncing the violence that led to her death. He referred to it as a “cowardly and senseless act” that robbed the world of a remarkable athlete and urged that her legacy will live on.

According to UN Women statistics, an alarming reality is that every 11 minutes, a woman or girl around the globe is killed by an intimate partner or family member. This stark figure underlines the urgent need for societal change and highlights the prevalence of violence against women.

Mayor Hidalgo conveyed her emotional sentiments regarding Cheptegei’s legacy during a press conference, where she stated, “We saw her, her beauty, her strength, her freedom. Paris will not forget her, and we will dedicate a sports venue to her, so that her memory and her story will be present among us.” This dedication aims to ensure that Cheptegei’s achievements and spirit are permanently honored.

Cheptegei’s death follows a series of high-profile cases of violence against female athletes in Kenya. In the last two years, two distinguished Kenyan runners, Agnes Tirop and Damaris Mutua, were allegedly murdered by their partners in the same area. Tirop’s death in October 2021 prompted significant protests, with athletes marching in Iten to demand stricter laws and better protection for women facing gender-based violence.

Tirop’s husband is currently on trial accused of murdering the 25-year-old athlete, further illuminating the crisis of gender violence in the region. Data from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022 indicates that approximately 41% of Kenyan women in relationships have experienced physical or sexual violence from their partners, showcasing the urgent need for effective outreach and services for victims.

The tragedy of Rebecca Cheptegei serves as a painful reminder of the ongoing battle against domestic violence and the importance of community support and systemic change. Her legacy and the call for justice resonate deeply as conversations around violence against women gain momentum.