A pioneer is no more. Marlène Canguio, the first Ultramarine to participate in the Olympic Games, has passed away. After winning so many medals, as a top athlete, she was defeated by a long illness. A look back at his journey and some of his testimonies.
Marlène Canguio died at the dawn of her 83rd birthday, following a long illness. “This is another hard blow for our city which has lost, once again, an illustrious citizen.“, wrote in a press release Adrien Baron, the mayor of Sainte-Rose, the town where the high-level athlete was from. She lived a peaceful and discreet retirement in her native section of Morne Rouge, where she cultivated the land.
Marlène Canguio is a pioneer.
This sportswoman brought honor to the entire archipelago, by being the first Guadeloupean (and even overseas) woman to participate in the Olympic Games. ; it was in Tokyo, in 1964.
MARLENE CANGUIO specialist in the 80 meter hurdles 1st GUADELOUPEENNE AT THE TOKYO OLYMPICS
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©OUTRE-MER la1ere
She also worthily represented France, in her disciplines favorite: she has, in fact, won numerous titles in hurdles and long jump. It was in 1961, at the age of 20, that she joined the French athletics team. ; also a first for a woman from Guadeloupe.
She is still the holder of the last approved record over 80 meters hurdles (10''08), before moving on to the 100 meters hurdles.
His track record is remarkable : four individual titles, seven relay titles and two French records.
MARLENE CANGUIO, the first Guadeloupean on the French team and the first Ultramarine, selected for the Olympic Games
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©Outre-mer la1ere
ALSO READ : July 28, 1963, Marlène Canguio is crowned French champion over 80 meters hurdles – 07/28/2023.
The sprinter was, despite her exploits, a simple, accessible and discreet woman. She worked, alongside her sporting career, as a stenographer in a banking establishment. She had to take time off to go to the Tokyo Olympics ! Never mind! She gave herself the means to achieve her goals, without expecting anyone.
-For the mayor of Sainte-Rose, Marlène Canguio “suffered from the lack of recognition of the country“.
Marlene leaves quietly, like her character. But the sky rumbles with sadness and, let us say it, with remorse… remorse for not having been able to place this woman in the rank she deserved… Have a good trip Marlene and take your place without complexes in the pantheon of the Greats Negroes.
Extract from the press release from Adrien Baron, mayor of Sainte-Rose – 01/26/2025.
However, she always responded willingly to requests from the media, to tell her story, in all humility. ; the journey of a turbulent little girl, with a strong character, who found her field of expression on the athletics tracks.
I think when I was born there was a silver spoon above my head ; I suppose so, because it came really naturally and, from a very young age, at school, I reacted like a boy (…). Since I was a little turbulent… that's what drew me to sport.
Marlène Canguio – April 2023.
PAWÒL DJÒK. Marlène Canguio, a golden woman
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©Alex Robin and Rémi Defrance – Guadeloupe la 1ère
