In 1968, this champion was one of the most unexpected gold medallists at the time. She won the 400 m. Before winning the title at the Mexico games, she ranked only fifteenth in the world.However, by becoming the world record holder for the 400 m and the 4x400 m relay the following year, Colette Besson proved that her Olympic title was no coincidence. And in the words of France's president, General de Gaulle, she was, "the only woman to have brought me to tears".