The spirit of Ugandan Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei was commemorated at the Paris Games, following the tragic news of her passing on Thursday. Her life was tragically cut short after an alleged assault by her partner, which left her with severe burns.

During the 2024 Paralympics, a heartfelt eulogy was delivered and Cheptegei's image was displayed prominently on the large screen near the finish line at the Esplanades des Invalides, after the conclusion of the T54 and T12 marathon events on Sunday. The audience paid their respects with a minute of applause in her honor.

Athletes who competed in Sunday's marathons also took a moment to express their condolences. Swiss athlete Marcel Hug, a three-time consecutive T54 marathon gold medalist, emphasized the need for the Paralympic community to stand against violence, stating, "It's devastating, and we must strive to prevent such acts of violence. Although I didn't know her personally, she was a kind soul, and her loss is deeply saddening. The Paralympics is a fitting place to remember her and to advocate against such violence."

Catherine Debrunner, another Swiss wheelchair racer and first-time Paralympic T54 marathon gold medalist, shared her shock and disbelief, saying, "I'm at a loss for words. We must cherish the opportunities we have here."

On Friday, the Mayor of Paris, Anne Hidalgo, announced that Cheptegei would be posthumously honored by having a sports facility named in her memory, a testament to her legacy in the world of sports.

Rebecca Cheptegei, a 33-year-old resident of Kenya, was left in critical condition after sustaining burns over 75% of her body during a violent incident at her home in Trans Nzoia County. Her death was confirmed by the Kenyan Olympic Team on Thursday. She had recently competed in the women's marathon at the Paris Olympics, finishing in 44th place.

According to Trans Nzoia County's police commander, Jeremiah ole Kosiom, Cheptegei was attacked by her boyfriend, Dickson Ndiema, who entered her home with a container of gasoline and set her ablaze following a dispute over land. Ndiema, who also sustained burns, is currently receiving treatment at a hospital in Eldoret.

A medical official at the Moi Teaching and Referral Hospital, where Cheptegei was being treated, informed Citizen TV that she succumbed to multi-organ failure on Wednesday evening.

Tragically, Cheptegei's death marks the third time in the past three years that a prominent female athlete has been killed in Kenya. In 2021, 25-year-old Kenyan Olympic runner Agnes Tirop was found murdered in her home, with her husband, Ibrahim Rotich, later charged with her murder. Shortly after, 28-year-old Kenyan athlete Damaris Mutua was found strangled, with her boyfriend identified as the primary suspect.

The loss of these talented athletes is a stark reminder of the pervasive issue of violence against women, even among those who have achieved great success in their fields. Their stories serve as a call to action for society to address and combat such violence, ensuring that all individuals can live and pursue their dreams without fear.