Paris to Honor Late Ugandan Olympian Cheptegei with Venue Naming

PARIS — The city of Paris has put forward a proposal to honor the late Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei by naming a sports venue after her. This initiative was announced by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo on Friday and is set to be reviewed by city officials in October.

Cheptegei tragically passed away on Thursday in a Kenyan hospital after suffering severe injuries. She sustained burns to 80% of her body following a violent incident involving her partner. At just 33 years old, she had recently completed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished in 44th place.

In a statement, the Paris city hall extended its condolences to Cheptegei’s family, emphasizing that she was a victim of femicide just weeks after her Olympic appearance. The statement conveyed a sentiment of solidarity with her family during this difficult time.

According to Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Cheptegei’s partner, Dickson Ndiema, allegedly poured gasoline on her and set her on fire during a dispute that occurred last Sunday. Notably, Ndiema also sustained injuries in the incident and was receiving treatment at the same hospital as Cheptegei.

The prevalence of violence against women remains a grave concern globally. UN Women has reported that, on average, every 11 minutes, a woman or girl is killed by an intimate partner or family member. Such statistics underscore the urgent need for increased awareness and action against gender-based violence.

Mayor Hidalgo expressed her heartfelt condolences during a press conference, where she reflected on Cheptegei’s remarkable spirit and strength. “We saw 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,” Hidalgo stated, as reported by French media.

The issue of domestic violence is particularly pronounced in Kenya, where statistics suggest that approximately 41% of married or dating women have experienced physical or sexual violence from their current or most recent partner. This data, drawn from the Kenya Demographic and Health Survey 2022, highlights the alarming rates of abuse that many women face.

As Paris prepares to commemorate Rebecca Cheptegei, there is a broader conversation underway about the need for society to address the root causes of violence against women. Her story has sparked an outpouring of sympathy and action, indicating a collective desire to prevent similar tragedies from occurring in the future.

By dedicating a venue in her name, the city aims to keep her memory alive, promoting discussions about violence against women and the vital need for societal change to ensure safety and equality for all.

As discussions continue in the city council, the hope is that this tribute to Cheptegei will not only honor her legacy but will also inspire future generations to take a stand against violence within intimate relationships.

Cheptegei’s untimely death has deeply resonated within the sports community and beyond, prompting calls for a greater commitment to protecting women from domestic violence and providing support for survivors.

The city’s initiative serves as a reminder of Cheptegei’s contributions to athletics and her fight for change both on and off the field. Her dedication and resilience will be remembered while inspiring others to advocate for a world free from fear and violence.