Olympic Games/ Summer, 1968/ Mexico/ Enriqueta Basilio/ Wome - Lot 276

Olympic Games/ Summer, 1968/ Mexico/ Enriqueta Basilio/ Women's Sport One of the most memorable moments of the Mexico Games is undoubtedly the Opening Ceremony, when on October 12, 1968, for the very first time, a female athlete, in her capacity as the last relay runner, had the honor of lighting the Olympic cauldron, setting the Games in motion. The scout was Enriqueta Basilio (1948-2019), barely 20 years old, and in our memories, we see her in the air, climbing the steps to the cauldron. A moment in Olympic history, one that would have made Alice Milliat smile. A great step forward in the recognition of women's sport (editor's note: Christine Caron was the flag-bearer for the French delegation, and Colette Besson would go on to achieve the feat in the 400 m). But it was doubly impossible to miss this event because it was an essential milestone in the history of the Games and of women. So there were rehearsals with the torch, and it's the official specimen with which Enriqueta trained for several days to run, ride and brandish that we offer here, with the kind complicity of the late pioneer's coach. A unique piece, engraved with a stylus on the silver-plated metal with the three historic lines: "Enriqueta Basilio, Mexico, 68". Probably in the hand of the pioneer, who was Mexico's best 80 m hurdler. Tired of rehearsals and media pressure, she didn't make it out of the qualifying rounds, but who cares, HER torch is indeed this one, one of the four or five different models manufactured around the Games. But this model seems to be very rare, perhaps unique. With its official pink case and green base (base damaged). The words "Antorcha olimpica", with official logo, Mexico 68 and rings... are there. On the bottom of the torch itself, a flexible metal label is worth a certificate: "Comité organizador de los juegos de la XIXe olimpiade da logo 68 avec anneaux, diseno M.Vilazon, Fabrico Productos Victor SA." The silver-plated torch itself with the famous signature offers the classic light-wood grip handle at the base (with black circles) , surmounted by an official Mexico double adhesive. Near the hearth, the pointed adhesive with its 6 doves is clearly visible. The 7.5cm diameter hearth, with its 8 inner cartridge-holding lugs, is in good condition, while the hearth base itself is harmonious (diam: 10.5), with 11 round holes. The case: 54cm, the torch: 52.5 cm. A warm-up for history... Enriqueta went on to become an ambassador for various popular and charitable movements, in favor of women's sports and to preserve the memory of the Games. She was also a member of parliament. Another great unsung pioneer of women's sport. In another batch, we find photos of this premiere.