Broken Records

Oldest Olympic medalist

The current oldest olympic medalist record is 72 years, held by Oscar Swahn, set on July 27, 1920. Last checked October 10, 2026.

72

years

Oscar Swahn

Antwerp, Belgium, 1920

Holder
Oscar Swahn
Record
72 years
Exact figure
72 years, 281 days
Location
Antwerp, Belgium
Date set
July 27, 1920
Recognized by
International Olympic Committee
Last checked
October 10, 2026

Put it in perspective

Oscar Swahn lived through 72 years of history. Here is what changed along the way.

  1. Born1848
  2. Age 281876Bell patents the telephone
  3. Age 551903First powered airplane flight
  4. Age 661914World War I begins
  5. Age 721920Sets the record: 72 years, 281 days

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