The Paris 2024 Olympics showcased not only the youth and vigor of athletes but also the experience and tenacity of older competitors. Some athletes continue to defy age expectations, proving that sports have no age limit. This article highlights ten of the oldest athletes who competed in Paris, showing that even in their advanced years, they still have the competitive fire burning strong.
10. Claudia Fragapane
Photo credits: Wikipedia
At 29, Claudia Fragapane is not the oldest in the competition but is notable for making a comeback after an injury. While younger than others on this list, Fragapane’s presence among the older athletes is significant in the rigorous sport of gymnastics.
- Category: Gymnastics
- Country: Great Britain
- Age: 29 years
- Olympic Debut: 2016 Rio Olympics
9. Oksana Chusovitina
Photo credits: Olympics
Oksana Chusovitina, at 49 years old, is a gymnastics legend. With a career spanning over three decades, she competed in her ninth Olympic Games in Paris. Known for her resilience and passion, Chusovitina continues to inspire generations of gymnasts worldwide.
- Category: Gymnastics
- Country: Uzbekistan
- Age: 49 years
- Olympic Debut: 1992 Barcelona Olympics
8. Iñaki Gómez
Photo credits: Canadian Olympic Committee
Canadian race walker Iñaki Gómez, who turned 49 in 2024, is a seasoned competitor in his discipline. Having previously competed in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics, Gómez is returning for the Paris Games, hoping to leave a lasting mark in his sport.
- Category: Race Walking
- Country: Canada
- Age: 49 years
- Olympic Debut: 2012 London Olympics
7. Jo Pavey
Photo credits: The Independent
British distance runner Jo Pavey was 50 years old when she competed in Paris. Pavey, who has been competing at the Olympics since 2000, has had a long and successful career, including a European Championship gold medal in 2014.
- Category: Athletics
- Country: Great Britain
- Age: 50 years
- Olympic Debut: 2000 Sydney Olympics
6. Isabell Werth
Photo credits: Wikipedia
At 54, Isabell Werth is one of the most decorated Olympians in equestrian sports. Werth, with multiple gold medals to her name,added to her illustrious career in the Paris Games, showing that age is no barrier to achieving greatness.
- Category: Equestrian
- Country: Germany
- Age: 54 years
- Olympic Debut: 1992 Barcelona Olympics
5. Nino Salukvadze
Photo credits: Times of India
Georgian shooter Nino Salukvadze competed in her 10th Olympic Games at the age of 55. Salukvadze won her first Olympic medal in 1988 and has continued to represent her country with pride, participating in every Games since 1988.
- Category: Shooting
- Country: Georgia
- Age: 55 years
- Olympic Debut: 1988 Seoul Olympics
4. Nick Skelton
Photo credits: Olympics
British equestrian star Nick Skelton, 56, fought for gold in the Paris Games. A veteran of multiple Olympics, Skelton famously won an individual gold medal in show jumping at the 2016 Rio Olympics, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest equestrians in Olympic history.
- Category: Equestrian
- Country: Great Britain
- Age: 56 years
- Olympic Debut: 1988 Seoul Olympics
3. Phillip Dutton
Photo credits: The Chronicle of the Horse
At 60, American equestrian Phillip Dutton competed in his eighth Olympic Games. Dutton has been a stalwart in the equestrian eventing scene for years, and his consistency has earned him Olympic and World Championship medals.
- Category: Equestrian
- Country: United States
- Age: 60 years
- Olympic Debut: 1996 Atlanta Olympics
2. Andrew Hoy
Photo credits: ABC
At 65, Andrew Hoy competed in his ninth Olympics. The Australian equestrian star, who first competed in the 1984 Olympics, has consistently been a top performer, earning multiple medals throughout his career. Hoy’s experience and skill in eventing have made him a longstanding figure in Olympic equestrian sports.
- Category: Equestrian
- Country: Australia
- Age: 65 years
- Olympic Debut: 1984 Los Angeles Olympics
1. Mary Hanna
Photo credits: Magzter
Australian equestrian Mary Hanna, 69, is the oldest Olympian ever to compete. Hanna has represented Australia in six previous Olympic Games and continues to showcase her talent in dressage.
- Category: Equestrian
- Country: Australia
- Age: 69 years
- Olympic Debut: 1996 Atlanta Olympics
Conclusion
These athletes remind us that age is just a number in the pursuit of greatness. The 2024 Paris Olympics celebrated both youthful energy and the seasoned experience of these extraordinary competitors, proving that in sports, passion and determination know no age limits.