World’s Oldest Olympic Champion Passes Away At 101 | You Won’t Believe How He Made History Before Saying Goodbye | World News
Charles Coste
The French cyclist, born in 1924 in the small town of Ollioules, died at the age of 101. Coste became a national hero in the immediate aftermath of World War II, when he and his teammates won Olympic gold in the team pursuit competition at the 1948 London Games, as the world was rebuilding and the Olympics again became a symbol of hope.
An Extraordinary Journey to Remember
He rose to fame just after World War II by winning Olympic gold in cycling at the 1948 London Games. This victory wasn’t just about speed; It was about hope and rebuilding.
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After that, Coste turned professional and proved his talent away from home. His standout moment came in 1949 when he beat the legendary Fausto Coppi to win the Grand Prix des Nations, a huge achievement at the time.
Even though decades have passed, his love for sports has never diminished. At the age of 100, he proudly carried the Olympic torch for the Paris 2024 Games; It was a beautiful full-circle moment for a man who has lived and breathed cycling for nearly a century.
He sadly passed away, but his story still serves as a reminder of how passion for sports can last a lifetime.
The Story Still Continues
Charles Coste was not only an Olympic champion, he was also a World War II World Champion. It was a bridge between the past and present of the Games, from the ashes of World War II to the lights of Paris 2024. His passing marks the end of a remarkable century-long story of dedication, resilience and legacy.
What made Coste even more special was how long he remained a part of the Olympic story. Coste carried the Olympic torch ahead of the Paris Games in 2024, when he was 100 years old.
“Winning the Olympic gold medal is unforgettable, just tremendous happiness. Even though the British forgot to sing the Marseillaise for us, we were very happy,” Coste recalled in an interview with olympics.com in July.
“Personally, I have always worried about my opponents and made lifelong friendships through sport. I hope that is the legacy I leave behind,” BERNAMA said.
