Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan marathon runner, was honored posthumously at the Paris 2024 Paralympics following her tragic death due to femicide. Tributes included a minute of applause, with announcements highlighting the need for zero tolerance towards violence. Fellow athletes condemned the circumstances of her death while calling for systemic respect and protection for women athletes.

Paris 2024 paid tribute to Ugandan marathon runner Rebecca Cheptegei, who tragically passed away on September 5, 2023, in Eldoret, Kenya, after being set ablaze by her former partner. At the marathon event on September 8, a eulogy was shared publicly, showcasing her joyous moments on the big screen. Cheptegei, who recently made her Olympic debut, placed 44th in her initial Games, highlighting the substantial loss felt by the athletics community.

The tribute included a minute of applause and was organized by Paris 2024 along with the International Olympic Committee, International Paralympic Committee, Para World Athletics, and World Athletics. The announcer referred to Cheptegei as “a victim of femicide,” emphasizing the need to remember her legacy positively while also addressing the concerning issue of violence against women in sports.

Marcel Hug, after winning his third consecutive men’s marathon T54 gold, remarked on the importance of the Paralympic movement sending a strong message against violence. He expressed sadness over Cheptegei’s untimely passing, stating, “It’s terrible, and we should really try to avoid violence like this.”

Catherine Debrunner, who secured her first Paralympic women’s marathon T54 gold, conveyed her shock at the tragedy, affirming the significance of not taking sporting achievements for granted. Madison de Rozario, a silver medalist, pointed out the horrifying reality that even dominant female athletes remain vulnerable to violence. She noted the positive impact of men respecting women athletes on their perception of women in general.

Louzanne Coetzee, a world record holder, also expressed deep sorrow, stating, “It is really sad what happened to her, and my heart goes out to her family.” She called for increased efforts to prevent such tragedies within the sports community. Cheptegei’s death raises awareness about domestic violence and reinforces the necessity for respect and protection for women in all spheres of life.

The unfortunate death of Rebecca Cheptegei sheds light on the ongoing issue of violence against women, particularly in the realm of sports. As a rising star in athletics, Cheptegei’s passing has sparked discussions about the need for systemic changes to protect female athletes and raise awareness about femicide. The tribute at the Paris 2024 events serves to honor her memory while promoting a broader campaign against domestic violence.

The tragic death of Rebecca Cheptegei, marked by a heartfelt tribute at the Paris 2024 Paralympics, serves as a stark reminder of the violence faced by women in society. With powerful statements from fellow athletes emphasizing the significance of addressing violence, the sports world collectively mourns her loss while advocating for a robust stance against domestic abuse. Cheptegei’s legacy will inspire ongoing dialogue about women’s rights and safety in sports and beyond.

Original Source: www.olympics.com

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