Overview
- The French presidency said Coste died last Thursday, with the announcement made on Tuesday and the IOC confirming his passing.
- Coste won team pursuit gold at the 1948 London Games with Pierre Adam, Serge Blusson and Fernand Decanali, a victory over Italy by nearly 39 seconds that remains the Olympic record margin.
- He reentered the global spotlight at the Paris 2024 Opening Ceremony as the penultimate torchbearer, passing the flame from his wheelchair to Teddy Riner and Marie-José Pérec.
- President Emmanuel Macron’s office praised him as a tireless messenger for sport, while IOC President Kirsty Coventry and Riner issued public tributes.
- The distinction of oldest living Olympic champion now belongs to Nikita Simonyan, 99, following Coste’s death.