People called Marie Marvingt "The Bride of Danger." They also said she was the greatest female athlete in the world. It was arguable, of course. Yet, they certainly had a point. Marie excelled in swimming, cycling, mountain climbing, ballooning, flying, riding, gymnastics, athletics, fencing, and others, setting many firsts and many records amongst them. Born in 1875 in Aurillac, France, Marie found love in sport through her father. Even in her early years, she'd go with him on adventures into the countryside or on mountain climbs. Marie's father challenged his daughter, pushing her to keep up with him and constantly encouraging her to improve. By her adult years, Marie was becoming a sports star. She set records in multiple sports and was often the first woman to accomplish some new feat in a sport. But sport was just one part of Marie's life. Marie also took up aviation. First, she became a balloon pilot and, soon after, an airplane pilot. These skills became important in helping France during World War I. When the War began, Marie wanted to contribute to her country. She first dressed as a man to serve in the French Army. A few weeks later, she was discovered and sent home. Still committed to contributing to the war effort, Marie took on a role as a pilot, flying over Germany in bombing campaigns. This made her one of the first female pilots to participate in combat missions. Arguably, though, Marie's most significant contribution to the world was making airplanes an important part of medical care. She advocated for creating airplane ambulances, presenting her ideas in thousands of conferences and seminars, and helping to establish civil air ambulance services in various countries around the world. Marie passed away in 1963. 

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