Born: 1948 (Mexicali, Baja California)
Died: 2019
Biography:
Enriqueta Basilio, born as Norma Enriqueta Queta Basilio Sotelo on July 15, 1948, in Mexicali, the capital of Baja California, was a trailblazing Mexican track and field athlete. Growing up in an athletic family, with her father being a cotton farmer, the seeds of Enriqueta’s sporting career were sown early on.
Enriqueta’s journey in athletics began under the guidance of her Polish coach, Włodzimierz Puzio, who envisioned her potential in hurdling. Recognizing her natural ability and dedication, Puzio shifted Enriqueta’s focus from high jump to hurdling, a decision that would shape her future in the sport.
In 1967, Enriqueta made her mark by winning the national championship and setting records in the 80-meter hurdles event. Her success continued as she represented Mexico at the 1967 Pan American Games, where she finished a commendable seventh in the same event. These accomplishments paved her way to the greatest stage of all – the Olympics.
The 1968 Summer Olympics held in Mexico City would prove to be a historic moment for Enriqueta and women in sports. On October 12, 1968, she etched her name into the annals of Olympic history as the first woman ever to light the Olympic Cauldron. This pioneering act symbolized the breaking of gender barriers and the empowerment of women in sports.
While her role as the torchbearer brought her global recognition, Enriqueta also competed as an athlete in multiple events at the 1968 Olympics. Unfortunately, she was unable to progress beyond the heats in the 400 meters, 80-meter hurdles, and 4×100 meters relay events. Nevertheless, her participation in the Games further solidified her legacy as a remarkable athlete and trailblazer.
Enriqueta’s athletic achievements extended beyond the Olympics. In 1970, she took home the bronze medal in the Central American Games as part of the 4×100 meters relay team, showcasing her prowess even beyond her historic torch-bearer role.
Despite her sporting success, Enriqueta faced personal challenges. Tragedy struck when her husband, basketball player Mario Álvarez, lost his life in an airplane accident, leaving her as a widowed mother of three young children. Overcoming this devastating loss, she pursued higher education and earned a degree in sociology from the prestigious National Autonomous University of Mexico.
Enriqueta’s dedication to her country extended beyond the track and field. She became a federal deputy for the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) during the LVIII Legislature of the Mexican Congress, advocating for issues close to her heart and using her platform to bring about positive change.
Moreover, she became a permanent member of the Mexico Olympic Committee, further cementing her commitment to the Olympic movement and the promotion of sports in her country. In 2004, Enriqueta proudly carried the Olympic torch during its relay through Mexico City, exemplifying her ongoing dedication to the Olympic values she embodied as an athlete.
However, her later years were not without challenges. In 2014, Enriqueta fell victim to a money-lending business scam, resulting in her and thousands of others being defrauded of their savings. Despite this setback, she maintained her indomitable spirit and continued to inspire those around her.
Enriqueta Basilio passed away on October 26, 2019, at the age of 71 due to pneumonia. Her legacy as a pioneer, both in athletics and society, continues to resonate. In a fitting tribute, on October 15, 2020, the small moon of trojan asteroid 3548 Eurybates was named Queta in her honor, making her the first Olympic athlete ever to be recognized in this way.