October 30, 2025, marked a sad day for the sporting community as Charles Coste, France’s oldest living Olympic champion, passed away at the age of 101. A symbol of resilience and grace, Coste’s passing marks the end of a golden chapter in Olympic history. His death leaves behind not only a void in French sport but also a sense of nostalgia for a time when athletes competed for pride above all else. Having lived through the evolution of modern sport, Coste was more than just an Olympian. He was a living connection to the post-war era that helped rebuild the spirit of international sports. 

Born on February 8, 1924, in Ollioules, France, Coste made his mark at the 1948 London Olympics. It was the first game held after World War II ended in 1945. There, he rode to glory as part of the French team cycling squad, alongside Pierre Adam, Serge Blusson, and Fernand Decanali, securing the gold medal and restoring France’s pride on the international stage.

A year later, he achieved another milestone by winning the Grand Prix des Nations, a prestigious individual time-trial event, where he famously defeated Italian legend Fausto Coppi. Coste’s performances in those years captured the spirit of post-war recovery and established him as one of the defining figures in French cycling history. Even a century after his Olympic triumph, Charles Coste remained an active and revered presence in the sports world. 

At the 2024 Paris Olympics, at age 99, with two days to go to his 100th birthday, he carried the Olympic torch during the opening ceremony. It was a powerful and emotional moment that symbolized a bridge between the Games of the past and the aspirations of a new generation, as he passed the flame to Teddy Riner and Marie Jose Perec. 

Of course, his participation drew a global ovation, honoring not only his longevity but also his lifelong dedication to the Olympic values of unity and perseverance. As the news of his passing spread through social media, all hands united to bid farewell to Charles Coste. Let’s take a look at what the fans and professionals had to say. 

Fans and professionals rally to pay their tribute to Charles Coste

Sports fans throughout the world rushed in to offer their prayers. One fan on Reddit wrote, “RIP to a great French athlete!” Meanwhile, another fan added, “He was the world’s oldest Olympic champion. RIP.” But the tributes didn’t stay limited to Reddit. Many others took to X and expressed their grief. One fan offered his tribute to the legacy of Coste: “Rest in Peace, Mr. Olympic Champion! Your name, Coste, and your exploits will forever resonate in the memories of Sport! Thank you 🙏🕯️🕊️⭐🥇.”

Meanwhile, a few others kept revisiting the iconic moment from the 2024 Olympics. One fan claimed, “That moment was magnificent.” And it actually was. Watching the legendary cyclist carrying the Olympic flame, limited to a wheelchair at the age of 100, painted an unforgettable picture in the fans’ minds. That moment became one for the history books. A fan highlighted the same – “That moment at the opening ceremony was so moving. 😭” 

Needless to say, the International Olympic Committee couldn’t refrain from honoring Coste. The current IOC President, Kirsty Coventry, stated, “We have to say goodbye to an Olympic champion in cycling from London 1948 and the penultimate torchbearer at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, Charles Coste.” She shed some light on the iconic moment of the passing of the Olympic torch at the Paris Olympics. He’ll be remembered forever.

David Lappartient, the President of the Union Cycliste Internationale and IOC member, claimed, “Cycling will deeply miss him. My affectionate thoughts are with his family and loved ones.”

Teddy Riner was one of the first entities to take to X and mourn the passing of Coste. He held a priceless memory of the 101-year-old champion back at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Remembering his best memory of Coste, Riner wrote, “This moment symbolized the passion and transmission that drove him. Charles Coste represented commitment, respect, and the love of sport in all its forms. His journey commands admiration, and his legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.” 

As the world bids farewell to Coste, his legacy endures. And he shall be forever remembered as a core entity that helped sports transition into the modern era.