Paris intends to call a sports activities facility in honor of Rebecca Cheptegei, the Ugandan Olympic marathoner who died after she was set on hearth by her boyfriend this week.
Mayor Anne Hidalgo on Friday introduced the plans to pay tribute to Cheptegei. The proposal might be mentioned by elected metropolis officers in October.
“She dazzled us right here in Paris. We noticed her — her magnificence, her power, her freedom — and it was in all probability her magnificence, power and freedom which had been insupportable for the one who dedicated this homicide,” Hidalgo advised reporters. “Paris won’t overlook her. We’ll dedicate a sports activities venue to her in order that her reminiscence and her story stays amongst us and helps carry the message of equality, which is a message carried by the Olympic and Paralympic Video games.”
Cheptegei, who completed forty fourth within the marathon on the Paris Video games, died Thursday, 4 days after she was doused in petrol and ignited by her boyfriend in Kenya within the newest assault on a lady athlete within the nation. The 33-year-old suffered burns to 80% of her physique in Sunday’s assault.
Trans Nzoia County Police Commander Jeremiah ole Kosiom mentioned this week that Cheptegei’s companion, Dickson Ndiema, purchased a can of gasoline, poured it on her and set her ablaze throughout a disagreement. Ndiema was additionally burned and was being handled on the identical hospital that Cheptegei had been in.
Cheptegei is the third distinguished lady athlete to be killed in Kenya since October 2021. Kenyan Sports activities Minister Kipchumba Murkomen described Cheptegei’s loss of life as a loss “to your complete area” and mentioned the federal government would guarantee justice.
“This can be a important second — not simply to mourn the lack of a exceptional Olympian, however to commit ourselves to making a society that respects and protects the dignity of each particular person,” Uganda athletes fee chair Ganzi Semu Mugula mentioned Friday.
Reuters and The Related Press contributed to this report.