Rebecca Cheptegei honored posthumously at Paris Paralympics 2024

Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan runner, tragically died on September 4, 2024, after suffering severe burns from an attack by her boyfriend in Kenya. The incident occurred just days after she participated in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, where she finished in 44th place. Cheptegei was doused in petrol and set on fire, leading to her death four days later, marking her as the third female athlete killed in Kenya since October 2021. In a tribute to her memory, a picture of Cheptegei was displayed on a giant screen during the Paralympic Games in Paris, where spectators honored her legacy with applause. Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced plans to name a sports facility in her honor, emphasizing the need to remember her beauty, strength, and the tragic circumstances of her death. Hidalgo's remarks highlighted the societal issues surrounding violence against women, particularly in the context of sports. Kenyan Sports Minister Kipchumba Murkomen expressed that Cheptegei's death is a significant loss for the entire region, calling for a commitment to creating a society that respects and protects individual dignity. The chairman of the Uganda Olympic Committee’s Athletes Commission, Ganzi Semu Mugula, echoed this sentiment, urging a collective effort to address the violence faced by female athletes. Cheptegei's death has sparked discussions about the safety of women in sports and the urgent need for societal change to prevent such tragedies in the future. Her legacy will serve as a reminder of the ongoing fight for equality and the protection of women’s rights in sports and beyond.