— Published on November 3, 2025

Charles Coste, the oldest living Olympic champion, has died at the age of 101.

Paris 2024

He was 101 years old, and Olympism was etched in his very being. The death of Charles Coste was announced on Sunday. The Frenchman had won Olympic gold in the team pursuit in 1948 and was the oldest living Olympic champion. Paris 2024 had offered him a prominent place during the opening ceremony of the Games In his wheelchair, he was the one who handed the flame to Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner, just a few meters from the cauldron. The most beautiful memory of my life " he will tell the newspaper L'Equipe.

The CNOSF paid tribute to him on social media: The oldest living Olympic champion had competed in two Tours de France, three Tours of Italy, and his greatest victory remained the 1949 Grand Prix des Nations, against the Italian giant Fausto Coppi. On July 26, 2024, during the opening ceremony of the Paris Olympic Games, He had been, with complete humility, the penultimate runner, passing the torch to Marie-José Pérec and Teddy Riner. to light the fountain in the Tuileries Gardens. A deeply moving image that will remain etched in our memories. in the memory of the Olympic Games For eternity. Our thoughts are with his loved ones and the extended family of French and world cycling. »

The IOC also praised him through Kirsty Coventry. The moving image of him passing the torch to Teddy Riner and Marie-José Pérec in the Parisian rain during the opening ceremony resonated deeply with people around the world. His memory will forever be etched in our hearts. We extend our sincerest condolences to his family during this time of mourning. " wrote the president.