Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei was tragically remembered by spectators at the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. Cheptegei, who died after being set on fire by her partner, had competed in the marathon at the Paris Olympics last month. The crowd paid tribute to her with a minute’s applause, honoring her memory as a victim of femicide.
The closing ceremony featured a spectacular light show and French electronic music, with Jean-Michel Jarre kicking off the festivities at the Stade de France. Morocco’s Fatima Ezzahra El Idrissi set a new world record in the women’s visually impaired marathon, while Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo broke her own world record in women’s para powerlifting.
China dominated the Paralympics, winning almost twice as many gold medals as Britain. China finished with 220 medals, including 94 golds, while Britain and the US followed with 124 and 105 medals respectively. Host nation France secured 19 gold medals in their total of 75 medals.
The Paralympic Games came to a close with a celebration of athletic achievements, but also with a somber moment to remember Rebecca Cheptegei and raise awareness about the issue of femicide. The event served as a reminder of the resilience and spirit of the athletes who had competed and shone a light on the need for greater support and protection for women facing violence.
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