Two-time Olympic heptathlete reported lacking in France

French authorities are trying to find Odile Ahouanwanou, an Olympic heptathlete, who has been lacking since Sept. 10. The 33-year-old, who represented the small west African nation of Benin on the 2012 and 2020 Olympics, was final seen in Rouen dropping off her youngster at a nursery on the morning of Sept. 10. She didn’t return to choose up her son, and was later reported lacking.

Odile AhouanwanouOdile Ahouanwanou
Odile Ahouanwanou competing for Benin within the ladies’s heptathlon on the 2024 African Athletics Championships in Cameroon

In keeping with a report from France Bleu, the police are contemplating the opportunity of a voluntary disappearance. This state of affairs refers to a state of affairs the place an individual intentionally goes lacking with out being a sufferer of against the law or different exterior elements. Folks could voluntarily disappear for varied private causes, corresponding to to flee monetary difficulties or to begin a brand new life.

Ahouanwanou positioned fifteenth on the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and eighth on the 2019 World Championships in Doha. Her greatest rating of 6,274 factors stands because the Benin nationwide report.

French police have reportedly registered Ahouanwanou within the nationwide wished individuals file, questioned witnesses and examined her each day habits. They’re additionally working with cellphone operators, hospitals, banks and airways to assist hint her steps. The athlete’s Volkswagen Polo is believed to be in use, though no sightings have been confirmed.

Odile AhouanwanouOdile Ahouanwanou
Odile Ahouanwanou received the ladies’s heptathlon on the 2024 African Athletics Championships in Cameroon

Authorities stress that, at this stage, there isn’t any proof to counsel foul play, however the investigation stays open. Her son is presently within the care of a household pal. The police want to the general public for any data that would assist find Ahouanwanou, and her disappearance stays a thriller.