World's Oldest Olympic Champion Charles Coste Dies at 101

Charles Coste, the world’s oldest Olympic gold medalist and celebrated French cyclist, died at 101, as confirmed by French Sports Minister Marina Ferrari. Coste won his gold medal in the 1948 London Olympics in the team pursuit track cycling event and was honored as a torchbearer during the 2024 Paris Olympic Games opening ceremony. He held the distinction of being the oldest living Olympic champion following the death of Hungarian gymnast Ágnes Keleti earlier in 2025. Beyond the Olympics, Coste's achievements include winning the 1949 Grand Prix des Nations where he defeated famed cyclist Fausto Coppi, and other prestigious races such as Paris-Limoges and the Tour of Monaco. His legacy spans decades, inspiring athletes worldwide, and he was recognized with the French Legion of Honor in 2022. Coste's death marks the end of an era in Olympic and cycling history, with tributes emphasizing his enduring sporting legacy and resilience.