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Marie-José Pérec Confronts Sexist Media Coverage in Memoir and Interview

The Olympic champion revisits moments of objectification, harassment, and resilience, reigniting dialogue on gender bias and athlete well-being.

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Overview

  • Marie-José Pérec appeared on France 5’s ‘C à vous’ on April 30, 2025, to promote her memoir 'Ma vie olympique' and discuss pivotal moments of her career.
  • She recounted how L’Équipe sexualized her 1991 World Championship victory, publishing a photo of her from behind with a comment about her appearance.
  • Pérec described confronting L’Équipe’s editor after her 1992 Olympic gold, expressing frustration over media focus on her body rather than her achievements.
  • At the 2000 Sydney Olympics, Pérec withdrew after facing harassment and threats, leading to a prolonged struggle with mental health issues.
  • Her recovery was facilitated by humanitarian work and mentoring young athletes, underscoring her resilience and commitment to reclaiming her legacy.