Paris has announced plans to pay tribute to Rebecca Cheptegei, a Ugandan marathon runner who tragically lost her life in a domestic violence incident in Kenya, by naming a sports venue in her honor. The 33-year-old athlete, who represented Uganda in the Paris Olympics this summer, was allegedly murdered by her ex-boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, shortly after returning from the Games. Cheptegei's untimely death has shed light on the issue of domestic violence against female athletes in Kenya.

Cheptegei participated in her Olympic debut in Paris, finishing in the 44th position in the marathon event. She also held the record for Uganda's women's marathon. However, her promising athletic career was cut short on Sunday when Ndiema allegedly set her on fire in a fatal attack in Trans-Nzoia county, Kenya. Tragically, the incident occurred in front of her two children. Her father, Joseph Cheptegei, revealed that she had reported Ndiema to the police multiple times for domestic violence prior to the harrowing incident.

The shocking news of Cheptegei's death has reverberated around the world, prompting Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo to express the city's solidarity and determination not to forget her. Speaking at a news conference, Mayor Hidalgo stated, "We saw her - her beauty, her strength, her freedom - and it was in all likelihood her beauty, strength, and freedom which were intolerable for the person who committed this murder." Paris also shared a statement on social media, extending support to Cheptegei’s family without divulging further details about the specific sports venue to be named in her honor.

The tragic events surrounding her murder have cast a spotlight on the prevalence of gender-based violence within the realm of female athletes in Kenya. Cheptegei is one of at least three long-distance runners in recent years who have fallen victim to alleged domestic violence. The allure of financial gain associated with a successful athletic career has sometimes attracted individuals wishing to exert control over these athletes' lives and finances, experts suggest.

The death of Cheptegei also highlights the larger issue of gender-based violence globally. According to figures from the United Nations, a woman or girl falls victim to femicide perpetrated by an intimate partner or family member every 11 minutes on average. Stéphane Dujarric, spokesperson for the U.N. Secretary-General, emphasized the urgency of addressing this issue, stating, "A different world is possible."

The decision by Paris to honor Cheptegei with a sports venue name is a symbol of resilience and a call to action against gender-based violence. It serves as a solemn reminder that greater efforts must be made to combat this societal issue, not only in Kenya but around the world. Cheptegei's legacy will continue to be remembered in the sporting realm, underlining the need for a safer environment for female athletes to thrive and pursue their dreams.