Former Olympic track cyclist Charles Coste, the world’s oldest living Olympic champion, has died at the age of 101, France’s sports minister Marina Ferrari announced on Sunday.
Coste, who won gold at the 1948 London Olympics, passed away on Thursday. He was also a torch bearer during the 2024 Paris Games, symbolising a lifelong connection to the Olympic movement.
“It was with great sorrow that I learned of the death of Charles Coste, Olympic champion in London,” said Ferrari. “At 101 years old he leaves a huge sporting heritage.”
Born on 8 February 1924, Coste’s early cycling career was interrupted by the Second World War. After the conflict, he returned to the sport and won the French national title in 1947 before claiming Olympic gold a year later.
At the London Games, Coste helped France win the team pursuit, defeating Great Britain in the semi-final and Italy in the final.
Since the death of Hungarian gymnast Agnes Keleti in January, Coste had been recognised as the world’s oldest surviving Olympic champion.
