She was the first woman to light the flame of the Olympic Games, marking a milestone in the history of sport and equality.
The Olympic Games are the most important sporting event globally.. A central symbol of this competition is the olympic flamewhich represents peace, friendship and unity between nations. Lighting the cauldron is an honor reserved for great sports figures such as Enriqueta Basilio, the first woman in history to do so.
The Olympic torch travels thousands of kilometers before lighting the cauldron at the opening ceremony. This gesture represents not only the start of the games, but also a message of hope and perseverance. In 1968, Basilio’s participation not only symbolized the inauguration of the Mexico City Games, but also the opening of a path towards equality in sport.
Enriqueta Basilio.webp
The story of Enriqueta Basilio and a message of equality to the whole world
Norma Enriqueta Basilio Sotelo was born on July 15, 1948 in Mexicali, Baja California, Mexicowithin a large family that worked in agriculture, especially in cotton production. Since she was little, Enriqueta showed a deep interest in sports, despite the limitations of her environment and the social expectations that, at that time, restricted female participation in sports disciplines.
Her passion led her to excel in school and seek more opportunities in the world of athletics. Throughout his youth, Basilio focused on speed and obstacle racing, achieving great recognition in Mexico. At 19 years old, he was already national champion in the 80 meters hurdleswhich opened the doors to international competitions and, finally, to the 1968 Olympic Games.
That sporting event held in Mexico City was a moment full of symbolism and tensions. It was the first time they were held in Latin Americaand the world was in the midst of a period of struggle, with social movements demanding equality and civil rights. In this context, the selection of Basilio to light the cauldron was a revolutionary gesture. Never before has a woman had this honor, and even less so on a stage as global as the Olympic Games.
On October 12, 1968, the Mexican athlete, at only 20 years old, entered the University Olympic Stadium in Mexico City carrying the torch. He climbed the 90 steps that separated it from the cauldron and lit it to the applause of thousands of spectators. This act not only marked the start of the games, but also sent a powerful message of equality in a time where Women’s rights were a topic of debate around the world.
Regarding that historic moment, Basilio expressed years later: “I not only lit the cauldron, I lit the hearts of many women who were fighting for justice and equity.” This phrase, which summarizes her legacy, resonates even today as a symbol of the fight for gender equality.
The athlete’s career did not end at the 1968 Games. Although she did not win medals in the events in which she competed, her participation as a sprinter in the disciplines of 400 meters, 80 meters hurdles and the 4×100 meter relay left an indelible mark. in the history of Mexican sports. After retiring, Enriqueta continued to be linked to the sport, actively participating in the Mexican Olympic Committee and promoting peace and unity through sports initiatives.
Enriqueta passed away on October 26, 2019 at the age of 71. Her death shocked the sporting world, but her legacy as the first woman to light the Olympic flame remains a reminder of her bravery and dedication. Today, his name remains synonymous with the fight for equality, and his image carrying the Olympic torch continues to inspire generations of athletes and activists.
Source: Ambito
I am Pierce Boyd, a driven and ambitious professional working in the news industry. I have been writing for 24 Hours Worlds for over five years, specializing in sports section coverage. During my tenure at the publication, I have built an impressive portfolio of articles that has earned me a reputation as an experienced journalist and content creator.
