The city of Paris will name a sports venue after slain Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically lost her life to domestic violence.
[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he city of Paris will honour slain Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei by naming a sports venue after her, as announced by Mayor Anne Hidalgo on Friday.
Cheptegei, who competed in the women’s marathon during the recent Paris Olympics, tragically died from severe burns after being set on fire by her boyfriend in Kenya.
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Hidalgo expressed her admiration for Cheptegei, stating, “She dazzled us here in Paris. Her beauty, strength, and freedom were likely intolerable for the person who committed this murder.”
She assured that Paris would not forget Cheptegei and that the dedicated sports venue would keep her memory alive, promoting the message of equality championed by the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Cheptegei, 33, made her Olympic debut at the Paris Games, finishing 44th in the women’s marathon. Reports indicate she sustained 80 percent burns after being attacked in front of her children by her partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach.
The city’s tribute aims to raise awareness about domestic violence and honour Cheptegei’s legacy as a remarkable athlete.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
