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Charles Coste | AFP file photo.

The world's oldest former Olympic champion, ex-track cyclist Charles Coste, has died aged 101, French sports minister Marina Ferrari announced Sunday.


Coste won gold at the 1948 London Olympics and was a torch bearer at the 2024 Paris Games.



‘It was with great sorrow that I learned of the death of Charles Coste, Olympic champion in London,’ Ferrari said.


‘At 101 years old he leaves a huge sporting heritage.’
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Coste passed away on Thursday.


He had been a promising cyclist until the start of World War II, but resumed his passion after the war.


He won a French national title in 1947 and took Olympic gold in London the following year in the team pursuit, helping France beat the British team in the semi-final and Italy in the title race.


Since the death in January of Hungarian gymnast Agnes Keleti, Coste, born February 8, 1924, was the oldest living Olympic champion.

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