Did you know who the world’s oldest Olympic champion is?
February 27, 2007 by Sasha Manuel
Filed under Sports Rumors
I sure didn’t. (I thought it was Leon but —) It’s great to find out, though. His name’s Roger Beaufrand, born at Garenne-Colombes near Paris in France.
Beaufrand competed during the 1928 Olympic Games in Amsterdam, Netherlands. His sport was Cycling, Sprint event . He beat Antonius Mazairac of Netherlands and Villy Hansen of Denmark.
Olympic Champion at 19
On 7 August 1928, to everyone’s surprise, he beat the leading sprinters of the day and achieved France’s only cycling victory by winning the Olympic sprint title. He was just 19. — olympics.org
His Legacy
“Roger Beaufrand more than ever symbolises what an Olympic champion should be: an example and an ambassador for the fundamental values of sport which are excellence, friendship, generosity, respect for others and solidarity”. (IOC President Jacques Rogge)
In 2008, he will celebrate his 100th birthday, making him the oldest Olympic champion.
Beaufrand was recently awarded the Legion of Honour (Légion d’Honneur).
Note: I wonder how Leon Štukelj feels about this. Hmmm.
Source: Wikipedia | olympic.org
I never get tired of these bios. Thanks for putting the spotlight back on a champion. :-)
No worries, Geoff! Good to know you appreciate these kinds of info! :)
Leon Štukelj would have 110 years on 12 Nov 2008, 10 more than Roger.
born:12 November 1898
died: 8 November 1999