Paris will honor Ugandan Olympic marathon runner, Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically lost her life following a brutal attack in Kenya, by naming a sports venue in her memory.
Paris Mayor, Anne Hidalgo announced the tribute, emphasizing that it will serve as a lasting reminder of Cheptegei’s legacy and the message of equality championed by the Olympic and Paralympic Games.
Cheptegei, who competed in the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics, was killed after her partner, Dickson Ndiema Marangach, allegedly set her on fire at her home in Endebess, Trans-Nzoia County, Kenya. The horrific incident left Cheptegei with 80% burns, and she succumbed to her injuries four days later, as confirmed by Ugandan athletics officials.
“Paris will not forget her. We’ll dedicate a sports venue to her so that her memory and her story remain among us, helping to carry the message of equality, which is central to the Olympic and Paralympic Games,” Hidalgo stated.
Reflecting on Cheptegei’s participation in the Paris Olympics, where she finished 44th in the women’s marathon, Hidalgo noted, “She dazzled us here in Paris. Her beauty, strength, and freedom were remarkable, and it’s heartbreaking that these very qualities may have led to her tragic death.”
This tribute ensures that Cheptegei’s story will continue to inspire and serve as a powerful symbol of resilience and equality.
