Rebecca Cheptegei: Tragic End After The Olympics

Last Friday, Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo announced that a sports venue would be named in honor of Rebecca Cheptegei, the Paris Olympic marathon runner from the Uganda-Kenya border who represented Uganda. Tragically, Rebecca lost her life under horrifying circumstances following the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Reports reveal that a former partner set her on fire, making her the third high-profile athlete from the region to be killed in a domestic violence incident, according to the Washington Post. This heartbreaking tragedy underscores a critical issue: violence against women. Despite global efforts, many women, including athletes, continue to suffer violence and abuse in their personal lives.

The Pervasiveness of Violence Against Women

Violence against women remains one of the most pressing global issues. According to a UN Women Africa article published in September 2023, an estimated 736 million women—nearly one in three—have been subjected to physical and/or sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-partner at least once in their lives. This crisis is exacerbated by climate change, structural inequalities, and global events such as the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite legal reforms and awareness campaigns, the prevalence of violence against women and girls (VAWG) remains alarmingly high.

Femicides represent the most extreme form of this violence. In 2021, approximately 45,000 women and girls worldwide were murdered by intimate partners or family members, equating to more than five women being killed every hour within their own homes. This gendered violence is starkly reflected in statistics, with 56% of all female homicides committed by intimate partners or family members, compared to just 11% of male homicides occurring in the private sphere. These numbers highlight the deadly consequences of domestic violence and underscore the urgent need for stronger protections for women.

Other Forms of Violence and Historical Context

In addition to femicides, technology-facilitated violence and sexual harassment are pervasive issues affecting women globally. Women who experience violence are more likely to suffer from mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety and face increased risks of unplanned pregnancies, sexually transmitted infections, and HIV. The majority of this violence is carried out by current or former intimate partners, with over 640 million women—26% of those aged 15 and older—reporting having experienced intimate partner violence.

Similarly, the World Health Organization (WHO) echoed these findings in an article published on March 25, 2024. According to the WHO, approximately one in three women worldwide have experienced physical or sexual violence from an intimate partner or non-partner sexual violence during their lifetime. These distressing statistics highlight the pervasive nature of VAWG and the critical need for continued global action.

https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/violence-against-women

Witnessing Rebecca Cheptegei’s Olympic Spirit

I had the privilege of witnessing Rebecca Cheptegei during the women’s marathon at the Paris Olympics as she passed iconic landmarks like the Modern Art Museum, the Palais de Tokyo, and the Eiffel Tower. Despite finishing 44th, her participation is deserving of the highest respect and honor. As Pierre de Coubertin once said, “What counts in life is not the victory, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to conquer, but to fight well.” I observed her enduring the stifling heat and humidity, competing with incredible determination. Rebecca’s performance and tragic end should not be in vain.

Concluding Thoughts

Violence has underlying causes that must be addressed to effectively prevent and reduce its occurrence. Rebecca Cheptegei’s legacy, marked by her Olympic spirit and tragic end, should inspire us to drive meaningful change. The goal of the Olympic Movement is to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination and, ideally, without deadly consequences. Rest in peace, Rebecca. May your memory ignite support for those who need it most. My deepest condolences to your family and to all who are impacted by violence and global conflicts, including the family of Hersh Goldberg-Polin and the other hostages, as well as the thousands of civilians in Gaza. You are not forgotten.

Rebecca Cheptegei at the start of the marathon, approaching the Modern Art Museum and Palais de Tokyo. Photo credit: Simone Suzanne Kussatz / ARETE

A blurred close-up of Rebecca Cheptegei in the stifling heat, as she and her fellow marathon runners were passing the Modern Art Museum and Palais de Tokyo in Paris. Photo credit: Simone Suzanne Kussatz / ARETE

Rebecca Cheptegei as she was passing the Eiffel Tower. Photo credit: Simone Suzanne Kussatz / ARETE

Rebecca Cheptegei passing the Eiffel Tower, blowing into her hand. Photo credit: Simone Suzanne Kussatz / ARETE

Rebecca Cheptegei passing the Eiffel Tower, captured from a bit farther away. Photo credit: Simone Suzanne Kussatz / ARETE

Rebecca Cheptegei is shown here as she passes the alley next to the Eiffel Tower, getting closer to the finish line. Photo credit: Simone Suzanne Kussatz / ARETE

From Rebecca Cheptegei’s final moments during the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Photo credit: Simone Suzanne Kussatz / ARETE

From Rebecca Cheptegei’s final moments during the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Photo credit: Simone Suzanne Kussatz / ARETE

From Rebecca Cheptegei’s final moments during the marathon at the Paris 2024 Olympics. Photo credit: Simone Suzanne Kussatz / ARETE

Rebecca Cheptegei just before turning onto Avenue Boulevard de la Bourbonnais, the last time I saw her in person during the Paris 2024 Olympics. Photo credit: Simone Suzanne Kussatz / ARETE