Paris to honour Olympic runner set on fire by ex-boyfriend
A sports facility in Paris will be named in honor of Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically died after her ex-boyfriend allegedly set her on fire.
The announcement was made by Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo, who emphasized the importance of keeping Cheptegei’s memory alive.Cheptegei, a 33-year-old mother, passed away on Thursday from severe burns after being doused in petrol and set on fire outside her home in north-western Kenya. Kenyan authorities are treating her death as a murder, with an ongoing investigation into the incident.
Mayor Hidalgo stated that dedicating a sports venue in Cheptegei’s name would ensure that “her memory and her story remain among us.” Cheptegei competed in the Olympic marathon in Paris, finishing 44th with a time of two hours, 32 minutes, and 14 seconds.Reflecting on her performance, Ms. Hidalgo remarked,
“We saw her. Her beauty, her strength, her freedom… Paris will not forget her.” The mayor added that the tribute would serve as a message of equality, aligned with the values of the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Joan Chelimo, a fellow athlete who knew Cheptegei, called for unity among women in the wake of the tragedy.
“We need to come together,” Chelimo said, highlighting that Cheptegei was a hardworking mother and the breadwinner of her family. Chelimo also expressed hope that the perpetrator would be held accountable for his actions.
Cheptegei first represented Uganda in 2010 at the World Cross Country Championships and transitioned to marathons in 2021. She achieved a personal best of two hours, 22 minutes, and 47 seconds in 2022, making her the second-fastest Ugandan woman in history.Reports suggest the athlete and her ex-partner had been involved in a dispute over land prior to the attack. The incident is part of a wider concern over violence against women in Kenya, with 34% of women reporting experiences of physical violence in 2022, according to a national survey.
Chelimo urged for more action to protect women, saying, “We are hoping this is another wake-up call for us to come together.”The dedication of a sports venue in Paris will honor Cheptegei’s legacy, ensuring her story continues to inspire future generations.
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