Profile: Maki Telemaque – strength and resilience

Maki Telemaque’s room at the Wataki Clinic is a true reflection of its occupant. Amidst the gifts from her friends and family and her many supporters, the symbols of her recent glory take centre stage: her favourite boxing gloves and her international Muay Thai-Shindokai championship belt. The television is on, playing a succession of hip-hop music videos, and the drum kit placed beneath it is a further reminder of his passion for music: “I wanted to make the most of my convalescence to get back into playing the drums, which I used to do when I was younger, and my physiotherapist encouraged me because it also helps with the rehabilitation of my ankles.” 

A young prodigy cut down in his prime

On 1 May 2026 in Morne Valois, whilst he was on his way to training on his motorbike, wearing his helmet, the car in front of him suddenly turned round without indicating. The impact was of unprecedented violence: whilst his spine remained intact, his pelvis was fractured in two, his legs were torn off and his left ribs were broken, simultaneously piercing numerous vital organs. Whilst the emergency services were preparing his family for his imminent death, Maki Telemaque defied all odds and survived the tragedy. On 6 May, he was flown to Paris, where he remained for three months, treated by leading pelvic surgeons who managed to ‘repair’ him after 11 hours in the operating theatre. An incident that could have brought any athlete’s career to a halt, except for him: “A week after the operation, I was already ordering training equipment. Today I’m back on my feet, even though I’d been told this wouldn’t happen until the summer of 2027.” Yet Maki’s future had already been mapped out: he had just travelled to California for a training camp at the UFC Gym and was dreaming of joining Glory, one of the biggest international kickboxing organisations, having also completed an intensive training camp at Tiger Muay Thai in Thailand. 

Resilience as a guiding principle

From his wheelchair, the young prodigy reflects on this phase of his life with a frank and determined look: “I’m still the same person. My only frustration is not being able to step into the ring. I can’t quite come to terms with what’s happening to me, but I’m making the best of it. Getting back in the ring is my priority.” Whilst becoming a UFC champion remains his ultimate goal, Maki also intends to make the most of this enforced break by creating online content to inspire the young people of Saint Martin: “Sport saved my life. I could have gone down the wrong path, but it gave me a second chance at life. I want to show young people that calm strength and perseverance help you overcome any obstacle. I’m going to launch my own online podcasts.”
Using the clinic’s gym and the entrance forecourt, he coaches – from his wheelchair – many young people keen to try their hand at combat sports, and has noticed real and rapid progress in some of them after just a few weeks of training. This is a continuation of his journey, as the reigning world champion was already coaching them at the island’s Boxing Club: “People used to come just for the experience. I want to encourage these young people to follow in my footsteps. The accident has given me extra strength.” 

A call for prevention and better support in the region

At the end of an hour-and-a-half-long interview, Maki Telemaque wants to send a message to the young people of Saint Martin: “What’s your excuse? The obstacle is the path. Don’t give up and don’t feel sorry for yourselves; you must always see the glass as half full rather than the other way round. Always wear a helmet when cycling – it saved my life. And enjoy the simple things in life that brighten up your day; that’s all that matters in the end.” 
He reminds the Local Authority of the need to adapt the area and its facilities for people with reduced mobility, and to install access ramps to buildings. This is a crucial point that he himself will incorporate into his future wellness and Pilates centre, due to open in Grand-Case in 2027.
Instagram: makitelemaque