PARIS (Kashmir English): The world’s oldest former Olympic champion, ex-track cyclist Charles Coste, passed away at the age of 101, Marina Ferrari, French sports minister announced on Sunday.
A torch bearer at the 2024 Paris Games, Coste won gold at the 1948 London Olympics.
“It was with great sorrow that I learned of the death of Charles Coste, Olympic champion in London,” Ferrari said. “At 101 years old he leaves a huge sporting heritage.” Coste passed away on Thursday.
Coste had been a promising cyclist until the start of World War II. He, however, resumed his passion after the war.
He earned a French national title in 1947 and won Olympic gold in London the following year in the team pursuit, helping France beat the British team in the semi-final and Italy in the title race.
Oldest living Olympic champion
Coste was born on February 8, 1924 and since the death in January this year of Hungarian gymnast Agnes Keleti, he was the oldest living Olympic champion.
