Who are the youngest & oldest Olympians? The age difference will shock you!

Who are the youngest & oldest Olympians? The age difference will shock you!

Eric Munene 20:13 - 01.08.2024

Here are the youngest and oldest athletes at the Olympics.

The Paris Olympics has exploded with tons of shocking events including the scrapping of the triathlons, Pan Zhanle setting a new 100m freestyle swimming world record, and the outlandish opening ceremony.

Aside from that it is worth noting that this year, the Olympics will feature competitors at both ends of the age spectrum, each bringing their unique story and talent to the global stage.

Pulse Sports Kenya takes a look at the youngest and oldest Olympians, from China and Spain respectively. Their age difference is 54 years!

Youngest athlete: Zheng Haohao

The title of the youngest athlete at the Paris Olympics 2024 goes to Zheng Haohao, a Chinese skateboarder who will compete in the park event at just 11 years and 11 months old.

Zheng, who began skateboarding only four years ago, is set to become China’s youngest-ever Olympian.

Her enthusiasm for the sport is palpable; she describes competition as a “fun game” where she gets to showcase her skills alongside friends and top skateboarders from around the world.

Zheng’s presence at the Games highlights the rapid evolution and growing inclusion of skateboarding in Olympic events, a sport that made its debut at Tokyo 2020.

Joining Zheng in the young athlete ranks are 12-year-old Thai skateboarder Vareeraya Sukasem and Team GB’s Sky Brown.

At 16, Brown already has Olympic experience, having won bronze in park skateboarding at Tokyo 2020.

Brown continues to make history as Team GB’s youngest competitor for the second consecutive Olympics.

The oldest Olympian: Juan Antonio Jimenez

In contrast, Juan Antonio Jimenez Cobo, at 65 years old, represents the epitome of enduring excellence and experience in the Olympics.

As the oldest confirmed competitor, Jimenez Cobo is making his third Olympic appearance in equestrian dressage.

His Olympic journey began in Sydney 2000, and he secured a silver medal in Athens 2004.

His participation in Paris shows decades of dedication and expertise in the sport. Jimenez Cobo’s continued presence at the Games highlights the longevity and depth of experience that can be brought to Olympic competition.

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