The Olympic Games are not reserved for young competitiors. The oldest Olympian in Paris this year is Canadian equestrian Jill Irving, competing in her first Olympics at age 61. Irving began taking the sport seriously after her children left home in 2008 and made her international debut in 2013. She will be competing in the equestrian dressage event.
The oldest ever Olympian is Oscar Swahn of Sweden, who was just shy of 73 when he competed in the 1920 Olympics in shooting. Also, at 72, Hungarian equestrian Arthur von Pongracz had his best results in the 1936 Games (he also took part in 1928 and 1932), earning 4th place in team dressage. Hiroshi Hoketsu represented Japan in dressage at the 2012 Olympics at age 71 (having also competed in 1964). Lorna Johnstone became the oldest woman ever at the Olympics in 1972, competing in dressage at age 70 (also participating in 1956 and 1968).
Other athletes who celebrated their 60th birthday before their Olympic appearance are Eliza Pollock in archery for USA (63 in 1904), Karl Münich in fencing for Austria (63 in 1912) and Oscar Rompani in rowing for Argentina (60 in 1964).
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