Oscar Swahn

Oscar Swahn is still, as of 2016, the oldest athlete to have won an Olympic gold medal, an Olympic medal, and the oldest Olympic competitor. In 1912, Swahn was 64 years and 257 days old when he won the gold medal in team running target, single shots and in 1920 he was 72 years and 279 days old when he won silver in team running target, double shots. In fact, when Swahn competed in individual running target, single shots in 1920, he became the oldest ever competitor at the Olympic Games. He placed seventh in that event.

Competing in three Olympics starting in 1908, Swahn won six medals – gold in individual running target, single shots in 1908; golds in team running target, single shot in 1908 and 1912; silver in team running target, double shots in 1920; and bronzes in team running target, double shots in 1908 and 1912. Swahn was also scheduled to compete at the 1924 Olympics, but an illness prevented this. In all his three Olympic appearances, Swahn was accompanied by his son Alfred, who also competed at the 1924 Olympics, and won nine Olympic medals at four Games. Swahn never competed at the World Championships, as running target shooting was first contested at the World Championships in 1929. Outside of sports, Swahn worked as a clerk with Svenska Telegrambyrån, the first Swedish news agency.