French sprint legend Marie-José Pérec, affectionately known as “La Gazelle”, has once again made history—this time off the track.
The three-time Olympic champion was presented with the 2025 SPORTEL Autobiography Award for her compelling memoir “Ma vie olympique”, a deeply personal reflection on her forty-year journey from Guadeloupe to the grand stage of the Paris Olympics.
The book, praised for its candor and inspiration, traces Pérec’s rise from a determined young athlete in the Caribbean to a national icon who lit the Olympic cauldron alongside judo great Teddy Riner, marking a defining moment of unity and pride in French sport.
Pérec, who accepted the award during the prestigious SPORTEL Awards ceremony in Monaco on Oct. 20, described the honor as “more than an award — a shared emotion.” The following day, she took to Instagram to thank Monaco with a heartfelt message that read:
“More than an award, a shared emotion. ❤️ Thank you Monaco. 💫”
A Champion Who Redefined Possibility
Widely regarded as one of the greatest sprinters in history, Pérec’s athletic résumé speaks for itself: three Olympic gold medals, multiple World Championships, and induction into the IAAF Hall of Fame. In 2024, she was also named a Commander of the Legion of Honour, France’s highest civilian distinction — a fitting tribute to her enduring impact on sport and society.
In her acceptance remarks, Pérec offered a moving reflection on resilience and belief:
“I am deeply honoured to receive this award for a book whose sole purpose is to demonstrate that it is possible. Regardless of one’s origin, skin color, or social background, anyone can believe in their dreams and bring them to fruition.”
Her words struck a chord with audiences, particularly young athletes and readers who see in her not just a champion, but a mirror of hope and perseverance.
From Guadeloupe to Global Glory
Born in Basse-Terre, Guadeloupe, Pérec’s path was far from straightforward. Her early years were marked by cultural and geographic isolation from France’s sporting centers. Yet her determination and unmatched stride eventually made her one of the world’s fastest women — earning her the nickname “La Gazelle.”
Her story, as captured in Ma vie olympique, offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at the emotional highs and lows of professional athletics: the loneliness of fame, the scrutiny faced by Black women in sports, and the courage required to walk away when the weight of expectation becomes too heavy.
Why This Matters
Pérec’s autobiography reflects the current era where sports figures are increasingly reclaiming their narratives. Her book challenges outdated notions about what defines success, suggesting that true victory lies not only in medals but in authenticity and purpose.
Her win at SPORTEL is also symbolic of a broader shift: the recognition of women athletes as storytellers, chroniclers of their own struggles and triumphs. In a landscape long dominated by male voices, Pérec’s words echo powerfully — dignified, emotional, and uncompromisingly real.
As the world prepares for the next wave of Olympic competition, Ma vie olympique reminds readers of the timeless lesson that greatness isn’t inherited — it’s earned, stride by stride.
