Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei tragically passed away after being set on fire by her partner, leading to spectators paying tribute to her during the closing ceremony of the 2024 Paralympic Games in Paris. The ceremony was marked by two world records, with Morocco’s Fatima Ezzahra El Idrissi breaking the women’s marathon record for visually impaired runners and Nigeria’s Folashade Oluwafemiayo setting a new record in women’s para powerlifting.
El Idrissi completed the marathon in 2 hours, 48 minutes, and 36 seconds, while Oluwafemiayo lifted 167 kilograms to win gold in the over 86kg category. Cheptegei, who ran in the Paris Olympics last month, was remembered during the ceremony as a “victim of femicide” after her tragic death.
China emerged as the dominant nation during the Paralympics, claiming 94 gold medals compared to Britain’s 49 and finishing with a total of 220 medals. The host nation, France, secured 19 gold medals and a total of 75 medals, ending up in eighth place in the medal table.
The closing ceremony was filled with music by Jean-Michel Jarre and a spectacular light show that delighted athletes, volunteers, and spectators. The event was a fitting end to a successful Paralympic Games in Paris, showcasing the incredible abilities and achievements of para athletes from around the world.
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