Charles Coste passed away last week at the age of 101. Marina Ferrari, the French Minister of Sports, announced the death of the oldest living Olympic champion on Sunday via X. The French cyclist won Olympic gold in the team pursuit in 1948.
In addition to the French Minister of Sports, David Lappartient, president of the UCI, also responded to the passing of his compatriot. "It is with great sadness that I learned of Charles Coste’s death earlier this week. My thoughts are with his family and friends," he said, while also highlighting the Olympic title. In the X post, Lappartient added a photo of a meeting with the cycling legend.
It's with great sadness that I learned of the passing of Charles Coste earlier this week. Gold medallist in the Team Pursuit at London 1948, Charles was the oldest living Olympic Champion. Cycling will deeply miss him.
My affectionate thoughts are with his family and loved ones. pic.twitter.com/ARLr1XeT5h
— David Lappartient (@DLappartient) November 2, 2025
Coste still played a role during the opening ceremony of last year’s Olympic Games in Paris by passing the Olympic flame. From his wheelchair, he handed it over to judoka Teddy Riner and athlete Marie-José Pérec.
Career Highlights
Coste won Olympic gold in the team pursuit at the 1948 London Games. His former teammates Fernand Decanali (2017), Pierre Adam (2012), and Serge Blusson (1994) had previously passed away.
Coste was also active on the road. The Frenchman participated twice in the Tour de France but never managed to finish his home country's Grand Tour. However, he finished the Giro d'Italia three times. The man from Ollioules, near the Marseille border, won the Grand Prix des Nations in ’49 and Paris-Limoges in ’53. In 1950, he finished fourth in Paris-Roubaix, behind winner Fausto Coppi among others.
