World’s Oldest Ex-Olympic Champion Coste Dies at 101

France is paying tribute to Charles Coste, the legendary cyclist and Olympic champion who has died at the age of 101.

Coste, who captured gold in the team pursuit at the 1948 London Olympics alongside Pierre Adam, Serge Blusson, and Fernand Decanali, was the world’s oldest living Olympic gold medalist following the passing of Hungarian gymnast Agnes Keleti earlier this year.

Known for his strength and precision on the track, Coste’s remarkable career also included a victory at the 1949 Grand Prix des Nations, a prestigious 140-kilometer time trial where he famously defeated Italy’s Fausto Coppi, a multiple Tour de France and Giro d’Italia winner.

His long life reflected not only sporting excellence but also a deep connection to Olympic history, highlighted when he proudly carried the torch at the opening ceremony of the 2024 Paris Games.