Paris Mayor Pays Tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei Amid Olympic Preparations
In a poignant press conference on Friday, Anne Hidalgo, the mayor of Paris, expressed deep sorrow over the tragic death of Ugandan marathon champion Rebecca Cheptegei. Cheptegei succumbed to severe injuries inflicted by her ex-partner in a shocking act of femicide. "It is with a pang in my heart that I speak," Hidalgo began, emphasizing the need to remember Cheptegei’s beauty, strength, and freedom. The mayor announced plans to dedicate a sports venue in Paris to honor the late athlete, ensuring her legacy will not be forgotten.
The 33-year-old athlete, who recently competed in the Paris Olympic marathon, was brutally attacked in Kenya, where she was set on fire by her former partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach. Despite being rushed to Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital in Eldoret, Cheptegei’s injuries were extensive, with burns covering more than 80% of her body. The incident has sparked outrage and highlighted the pervasive issue of violence against women in Kenya, a country where statistics show that a third of women aged 15 and over have experienced physical violence.
Hidalgo’s heartfelt tribute comes as the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic Games approach, with plans for a consultation between the mayor and her deputy for Sports, Pierre Rabadan, to finalize the location dedicated to Cheptegei. The tragic circumstances surrounding her death have drawn attention to the urgent need for action against domestic violence, particularly in the realm of sports, where female athletes are often vulnerable.
- Rebecca Cheptegei's death is a stark reminder of the ongoing violence against women in many parts of the world, including Kenya, where domestic violence remains a critical issue. The incident has prompted calls for greater awareness and measures to protect women from similar fates. Cheptegei's legacy as an athlete is now intertwined with the fight against femicide, as her story resonates with many who have faced similar struggles. The Ugandan Olympic Committee has also expressed its condolences and committed to advocating for the rights of women in sports, emphasizing the need for a safer environment for female athletes.
