MIES, Switzerland – The International Basketball Federation (FIBA) has released “La Valise d’Éliane,” a graphic novel commemorating the remarkable journey of Swiss player Éliane Girod at the inaugural FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup in 1953. Published on March 8th, coinciding with International Women’s Day, the comic book celebrates the pioneering spirit of the first Women’s World Cup and the women who laid the foundation for the game as we know it today.
The timing of the release is particularly poignant, as March 7th – the opening day of the 1953 tournament – as well marks what would have been Éliane Girod’s 100th birthday in 2026. This coincidence adds a layer of significance to the publication, honoring a player whose story embodies the early days of international women’s basketball.
Currently available in French only, “La Valise d’Éliane” can be purchased online through various retailers and directly from the Livreo-Alphil publishing house website. Click here to order.
The story centers on Éliane Girod, a standout player for Chêne-Bougeries, a Swiss team that dominated domestic competition, claiming 13 consecutive Swiss championships from 1942 to 1954. Girod was one of three players from that iconic team selected to represent Switzerland at both the 1952 FIBA Women’s EuroBasket and the historic 1953 FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup.
Seventy years after the tournament, Girod’s memories resurfaced thanks to a collection of memorabilia she carefully preserved. With the support of her family – her daughter, grandson, and former teammates Claudine Clot and Yvonne Cotier – she donated a detailed diary from the World Cup, along with other artifacts, to the FIBA Foundation. This collection formed the basis for “La Valise d’Éliane,” a tribute not only to Girod but to all the women who participated in that groundbreaking competition.
The comic book highlights the challenges and triumphs faced by these athletes as they navigated new cultures, societal expectations, and the burgeoning world of international basketball. It’s a story of breaking barriers and paving the way for future generations of players. The narrative follows the Swiss team’s journey from Geneva, through various European cities like Paris and Lisbon, and across the Atlantic to Dakar, Natal, Salvador de Bahia, Rio de Janeiro, Buenos Aires, and Santiago, Chile.
The 1953 FIBA World Championship for Women, held in Chile from March 7th to March 22nd, featured ten national teams: USA, Chile, France, Brazil, Paraguay, Argentina, Peru, Mexico, Switzerland, and Cuba. The tournament marked a pivotal moment in the history of women’s basketball, establishing a global platform for the sport. The United States ultimately claimed the first-ever title.
The creation of “La Valise d’Éliane” was a three-year project, made possible by the collaboration of Girod, her family, and the FIBA Foundation. The Foundation meticulously researched the historical context, utilizing official programs, game sheets, correspondence, and newspaper articles from the era. The story was scripted by Jacobo Rivero and illustrated by Raulowsky, bringing Girod’s experiences to life in a visually compelling format.
This publication is part of a larger initiative by the FIBA Foundation called “Éliane’s Journey: Women in Basketball,” which aims to preserve, celebrate, and promote the cultural heritage of women’s basketball. The project focuses on the stories, voices, and experiences that have shaped the game and its impact on society.
The FIBA Foundation, the social and heritage branch of FIBA, is dedicated to promoting the values of basketball and its cultural legacy. The Foundation believes in the power of basketball to empower, educate, and inspire young people, and it supports projects like “Basketball For Good” around the world.
While currently only available in French, “La Valise d’Éliane” offers a unique and intimate glimpse into the origins of women’s basketball. It’s a story of courage, determination, and the enduring legacy of those who dared to dream big on the world stage. The comic serves as a powerful reminder of the progress made and the ongoing journey to elevate women’s basketball globally.
Looking ahead, the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup continues to evolve. The 2026 tournament, to be co-hosted by Germany, USA, Australia, Belgium and Nigeria, will feature 16 teams, representing a broader range of nations and a significantly expanded global reach. The game has approach a long way since that first tournament in Chile, but the spirit of those pioneering athletes continues to inspire.
Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of women’s basketball and the FIBA World Cup as we approach the 2026 tournament.
