French Goalie Margaux Mameri Set to Make Olympic History
Margaux Mameri, a 28-year-old athlete born in April 1997, is poised to realize a lifelong dream as a member of the French women’s hockey team heading to the Winter Olympics in Milan next February – a historic first for the sport in France. Her journey to the pinnacle of her sport is a testament to her competitive spirit and unwavering dedication.
From Brother’s Shadow to Olympic Dreams
Mameri’s introduction to ice hockey came at the age of eight, following in the footsteps of her brother. “I started trying it out after watching him every weekend,” she explained, noting that it was the goalie equipment that initially sparked her interest. However, her athletic background extends beyond hockey, having previously participated in judo, gymnastics, swimming, and handball.
Breaking Barriers on the Ice
Mameri quickly found herself training alongside male counterparts, driven by a desire for challenge. “I preferred playing with boys because it was more challenging,” she stated. Despite standing at just 1.61 meters (approximately 5’3”) and weighing 61 kilograms (approximately 134 pounds), she has consistently proven her abilities, recently achieving a remarkable 92.9% save percentage at the most recent Olympic Qualification Tournament.
She acknowledges facing occasional “reflections” – subtle commentary – in the locker room due to her gender, but has grown accustomed to the environment. “It’s become normal for me,” she says, letting her performance on the ice speak for itself.
A Unique Path in a Developing Sport
The landscape of women’s hockey in France has necessitated a unique path for Mameri. Currently, she competes on a mixed-gender team due to the limited opportunities for female-only competition. Girls are permitted to play on boys’ teams until the age of 14, and while many transition to dedicated women’s leagues afterward, players are not restricted from continuing to compete with male teams if their skill level allows. Mameri has thrived in this environment, solidifying her position as a goaltender.
“I just go for it in life,” she smiled, while also admitting, “sometimes I feel exposed when I don’t have my equipment on in everyday life.” Her specialized goalie equipment weighs a substantial fifteen kilograms (approximately 33 pounds).
Beyond the Rink: A Commitment to Inclusion
Mameri’s dedication extends beyond her athletic pursuits. After gaining experience playing in Canada, Sweden, and Finland, she now plays for the Comètes de Meudon’s reserve team while also representing the French national team. She is one of a select few athletes navigating this dual commitment – Violette Pianel-Couriaut shares a similar schedule, balancing play with the U20 team in Villard-de-Lans and the national team.
Furthermore, Mameri dedicates her time to working with adolescents with disabilities, demonstrating a commitment to inclusivity both on and off the ice.
Her long-held dream of Olympic participation is now a reality, and she embodies the spirit of perseverance and dedication as she prepares to represent France on the world stage.
