Charles Coste, Olympic Gold Medallist and Torchbearer, Dies at 101
Charles Coste, the French cyclist who won Olympic gold in London in 1948 and was later recognized as the world’s oldest living Olympic champion, has passed away at the age of 101. Known as a quiet hero of French sport, Coste gained widespread recognition late in life, especially during the Paris 2024 Games.
Legacy and Recognition
France’s Sports Minister, Marina Ferrari, announced his death, describing him as a man who left “an immense sporting legacy.” Coste became a household name in France during the opening ceremony of the Paris 2024 Games, where the centenarian, appearing in a wheelchair, passed the Olympic flame to judo champion Teddy Riner and track sprinter Marie-José Pérec — a deeply emotional moment that touched the nation.
The French Olympic Committee called it “an image full of emotion that will remain forever in Olympic memory.”
Early Life and Olympic Career
Born on 8 February 1924 in Ollioules, near Toulon, Coste became the doyen of Olympic champions following the death of Hungarian gymnast Ágnes Keleti earlier in 2024. He was the last surviving member of the French team that claimed gold in the track cycling pursuit at the 1948 London Games, the first Olympics after World War II.
Reflecting on his childhood ambitions in a 2024 interview, Coste shared with a smile:
“I used to tell my mother when I was ten or twelve that I’d either be a general or an Olympic champion. It turned out to be the latter.”
Cycling and Personal History
Cycling came into Coste’s life almost by chance, leading to a remarkable sporting career and a lasting impact on French athletics.
Coste’s story symbolizes resilience and the enduring spirit of Olympic competition across a century of history.
Author’s summary: Charles Coste, a symbol of Olympic endurance and French sporting pride, passed at 101, remembered for his 1948 cycling gold and his iconic role at Paris 2024.