World Athletics says it has identified campaigning against gender-based violence as a priority.
Olympic athlete Rebecca Cheptegei became the third athlete to be killed in Kenya in the past three years after she was doused in petrol and set on fire by a former boyfriend in September.
The World Athletics Athletes’ Commission called on World Athletics to take a leadership role and explore partnerships with relevant organisations to push for change.
Athletes’ Commission chair Valerie Adams said: “In a sport as diverse and universal as athletics, it is rare to see athletes from different countries, disciplines and socio-economic backgrounds agree on something as unanimously as the topic of gender-based violence.”
New Zealand’s retired two-time Olympic shot put champion Adams added: “We as athletes are in a unique position to leverage our profiles and social influence in our communities to lobby for change. It will take a concerted effort from all of us to be leaders in the space to influence and drive the change we need.”
Cheptegei’s death came after 10km world-record holder Agnes Tirop was stabbed to death in 2021 and, six months later, long-distance runner Damaris Mutua was strangled.
In a statement following the 236th World Athletics Council Meeting in Monaco, World Athletics said “recent high-profile cases in Africa [have sent] shockwaves through the sport”.
It added: “Gender-based violence is a global issue, with all 18 members of the Athletes’ Commission – from 18 different countries across all six areas – highlighting the impact and extent of gender-based violence in their regions.”
While accepting World Athletics’ limited jurisdiction outside the sport, the Athletes’ Commission said it hoped World Athletics can drive change through raising awareness, education and lobbying for change.
