He was 101 years old
The world’s oldest Olympic champion is dead
November 2, 2025 – 11:41 p.mReading time: 1 min.
In 1948 he triumphed on the track, in 2024 he moved people with his performance in Paris – now Charles Coste has died.
Former French cyclist Charles Coste has died at the age of 101. France’s Sports Minister Marina Ferrari announced this on Thursday via the short message service X. Coste was recently the oldest living Olympic champion in the world.
Born in Ollioules, southern France, in 1924, Coste won the gold medal in the team pursuit on the track at the 1948 Olympic Games in London together with Serge Blusson, Fernand Decanali and Pierre Adam. It was the first summer games after the Second World War.
Even after his active career ended, cycling remained part of his life. Coste was once again part of the opening ceremony at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris. Sitting in a wheelchair, he carried the Olympic flame into the stadium – and handed the flame to judoka Teddy Riner and track and field athlete Marie-José Pérec, who then lit the fire.
In addition to the Olympic victory, winning the Grand Prix des Nations in 1949 was one of his greatest successes. At that time, Coste prevailed in a 140-kilometer individual time trial against the Italian cycling star Fausto Coppi. He later also won races such as Paris–Limoges and the Tour of Monaco. He ended his career in 1959.