A two-time Olympic athlete has vanished in France, prompting an urgent search by authorities and widespread public concern.
Beninese track and field star Odile Ahouanwanou went missing after failing to pick up her child from the childminder on September 10, which sparked a chilling mystery in northern France. The 33-year-old heptathlon specialist, who represented Benin at the London and Tokyo Olympics, was last seen near Neufchâtel-en-Bray.
Her sudden disappearance has left family, friends, and fans in distress, while French police search for clues regarding her whereabouts. On September 17, authorities launched an official appeal for witnesses, asking the public for any information.
Despite extensive efforts—including questioning witnesses and reviewing Ahouanwanou’s daily habits—her location remains unknown. While there’s no evidence of foul play, her unexpected absence has raised significant concerns in both France and Benin.
“Her last location is Neufchâtel-en-Bray. She drives around in a Volkswagen Polo,” stated the French police. They are closely monitoring the situation, highlighting that no definitive leads have emerged.
As of September 20, French authorities have added her to the national wanted persons list, collaborated with phone operators, and checked hospitals and airlines, but to no avail.
In Benin, the news of Ahouanwanou’s disappearance has caused a nationwide shock. Wilfried Houngbédji, a spokesperson for the Beninese government, noted that their embassy in Paris is working closely with French authorities.
“Our embassy in Paris is mobilized with the French services, and the Ministry of Sports and Foreign Affairs are monitoring the situation,” Houngbédji stated, expressing hope that nothing serious has happened. “I will hope that we will not end up with a definitive disappearance.”
Odile Ahouanwanou, standing at 1.78 meters, holds the national heptathlon record for Benin with 6,210 points and finished eighth in the heptathlon at the 2019 World Athletics Championships in Qatar, cementing her status as a premier athlete in her country.
Alexis Ragache, mayor of Sotteville-lès-Rouen, where Ahouanwanou trains, expressed his concern, urging locals to assist in the search. “Odile Ahouanwanou is a figure of Sotteville life. I invite you to share this appeal for witnesses; let’s put all the chances on our side to find Odile,” he posted on social media.
Friends and colleagues remain hopeful that the heptathlete will be found safe. Currently, her son is being cared for by a family friend as the search continues. Despite thorough investigations, no significant leads have emerged, and the possibility of a voluntary disappearance is not ruled out.
“The indications that we received from the French authorities suggest that it was voluntarily that our compatriot disappeared,” Houngbédji explained, although he remained optimistic. “We will search, explore all the leads until we have the elements that allow us to assess. And I hope that we will find her alive, in good shape, and also determined to go and conquer other medals.”
