Who was the oldest Olympian to compete in the 1948 Summer Olympics?

During the old art competitions category which was recognized as an Olympic sport during the 1948 summer games, John Copley was the oldest Olympian at the age of 73. Copley competed in the games as a British artist who was known for his prints, etchings, and lithographs.

Not only was Copley the oldest Olympian, but he is also the oldest medalist due to his sliver medal win for his engraving titled 'Polo Players'. He was even more pleased at winning the medal after he learned that this Olympics would be the last time the International Olympic Committee would award medals in the art competitions category.

At the 1948 Summer Olympics, art competitions were held at the Victoria and Albert Museum from mid July to mid August in London, England. Works of art were displayed from 27 different countries. Medals were awarded in five categories (architecture, literature, music, painting, and sculpture), for works inspired by sport related themes. Starting in 1952, a non-competitive art and cultural festival has been routinely associated with the Summer Olympic Games.

More Info: en.wikipedia.org

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12 Comments

Stevie G

Cathie Roth Lonnquist ... At the 1932 Summer Olympics, Robert Tate McKenzie won a bronze medal for a sculpture. He died in 1938 aged 71. Unless you know any better or he came back to life to compete at the 1948 Olympics !!!!

Gary Ellis

Interesting explanation, but such a very, very obscure question.

Albeck1994

Rich McConnell, McKenzie died in 1931

filmnut

It is hard to imagine a time when art was considered a sport.

Rae

They should bring that back

E11-Hitman

Cathie Roth Lonnquist, Robert Tate McKensie (May 26, 1867 – April 1938) was 71 years old when he died. He never lived to be as old as John Copley.

Tom Seigo

Seemed to be the likely person! Good question and narration.

Laurie Johnson Gonzalez

Never knew the Olympics had art competition. Thanks for new info!

Cedric Walters

I got it old chap. Splendid.

Rich McConnell

I believe that the oldest person to ever compete in the Olympics was Robert Tait McKensie of Canada who was 81 years, 64 days old when he competed in Art Competitions at the 1948 Games in London. I guess since the author's question did not list McKenzie as an answer choice, this is another example of "no harm, no foul".