For Mathilde Pétriaux, International Women’s Day is a celebration of progress, but it also serves as a reminder that the work is ongoing.
“As a woman and a former elite athlete, I have witnessed the evolution of women’s place in society and in sport,” she says. “But women’s rights remain a daily battle. This day is still essential.”
Having competed at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games — the first fully gender-equal Games — and now serving as General Secretary of the French Hockey Federation (FFH), Mathilde represents a generation of women shaping sport both on and off the field.
A Historic Olympic Journey
Goalkeeper for the French national team from 2014 to 2024, Mathilde Pétriaux experienced the most emotional chapter of her career at Paris 2024.
It was the first time France competed in women’s hockey at the Olympic Games — the result of years of collective progress. The team rose from 32nd in the world in 2019 to winning EuroHockey Championship II in 2021 and climbing to 17th in the world rankings.
“Competing at the Games at home was an immense source of pride,” she reflects. “It was a true collective achievement.”
Preparing for Life Beyond the Pitch
Even while still competing, Mathilde was already thinking about how to contribute beyond playing. Through her involvement in the Athletes’ Commission of the French National Olympic and Sports Committee, she realised she could help shape the sport from within.
She retired after France qualified for the 2025 EuroHockey Championship I — choosing to step away on a high, with the team displaying overall positive momentum.
Her move into governance was driven by a desire to develop hockey in France and promote athletes’ rights. In December 2024, she was elected General Secretary of the FFH, marking the start of a new chapter.
“I experienced it as a continuation of my hockey career — still serving performance, but in a different way.”
From Athlete to Decision-Maker
Transitioning from player to federation leader might seem daunting, but Mathilde was surprised by how naturally she settled into the role.
With an academic background in management and finance, combined with a decade of elite experience, she feels equipped to contribute at the highest level.
“Understanding what athletes experience — the pressure and demands of performance — helps me make better decisions.”
Having grown up playing hockey in a small town in Normandy, progressed through top French clubs, and competed professionally in Belgium and Spain, Mathilde brings a multi-layered understanding of development pathways and high-performance environments.
Her playing career now serves as a benchmark for informed leadership.
Leading a New Generation
Stepping into a senior leadership role at a young age has brought challenges. During her campaign, there were questions on her age, and at times her gender.
“I chose not to focus on those comments,” she says. “In life, there are those who speak and those who act. My daily commitment to the Federation is my answer.”
She approaches the role with humility, supported by experienced leadership, but with clear conviction about where French hockey can go — particularly on the road to Olympic Games LA28.
A Message to Future Leaders
Mathilde believes real equity in sport requires structural change — from governance representation to development systems. But she also believes in individual courage.
Her advice to women aspiring to leadership roles:
“Dare. Step forward. Take your place. Sport needs your energy and your skills.”
And to young athletes curious about shaping the future of their sport:
“We become athletes out of passion. Getting involved in governance is a way to extend that passion. Every contribution matters.”
As International Women’s Day 2026 approaches, Mathilde Pétriaux’s journey reflects the power of evolution — from protecting the goal on the field to protecting and guiding the future of the sport itself.
