2024 Paris Olympics: Meet the Youngest & Oldest Athletes Competing This Year

The 2024 Paris Olympics boast an extraordinary blend of ages among the athletes, with a significant 50-year gap between the youngest and oldest competitors.

Most of the youngest athletes are skateboarders, a sport that has quickly become a playground for young talent. In contrast, many older athletes are participating in equestrian events, showcasing their experience and skill.

With over 10,000 athletes participating, the diversity in age highlights the inclusive nature of the Games.

Here’s a look at some of the youngest and oldest athletes making waves in Paris this year.

Youngest Athletes:

Zheng Haohao, 11, Skateboarding, China

Image: Reuters

At just 11 years old, Zheng Haohao is making headlines as the youngest competitor at the Paris Olympics. The Chinese skateboarder, who turns 12 next month, started skating at the age of seven. Skateboarding made its Olympic debut in Tokyo in 2021, and Haohao is set to compete in the women's park event on August 6.

Vareeraya Sukasem, 12, Skateboarding, Thailand

Image: AP

Thai skateboarder Vareeraya Sukasem, only 12, had the honor of being the female flag bearer for Thailand during this year's opening ceremonies. Sukasem competed in the women's street event, finishing in 17th place, and is marking her Olympic debut with her vibrant energy and passion for the sport.

Heili Sirviö, 13, Skateboarding, Finland

Heili Sirviö has become Finland's youngest Olympian at 13 years old. The young skateboarder has been competing internationally for two years and has documented her journey to the Games on social media. Sirviö is slated to compete in the women's park event on August 6.

Fay DeFazio Ebert, 14, Skateboarding, Canada

Image: Thomas Skrlj/ 2023 Olympic Committee

Canadian skateboarder Fay DeFazio Ebert is making her Olympic debut at age 14. Initially interested in track and cross-country, Ebert shifted her focus to skateboarding six years ago. She recently won a gold medal at the 2023 Pan American Games and qualified for the women's park event.

Sky Brown, 16, Skateboarding, Great Britain

Image: Atiba Jefferson/World Skate

Sky Brown, a 16-year-old skateboarder, represents Great Britain and is no stranger to Olympic success. She debuted at the Tokyo Games, becoming the country's youngest Olympian, and took home a bronze medal in the women's park event. Brown is competing again in Paris, aiming to defend her podium position on August 6.

Hezly Rivera, 16, Gymnastics, United States

Hezly Rivera, the youngest female on the US gymnastics team, is competing at 16. Her impressive skills contributed to Team USA's gold-medal win, even though she didn't qualify for individual events. Rivera's participation highlights the depth of talent within the US gymnastics squad.

Quincy Wilson, 16, Track and Field, United States

Image: Reuters

Quincy Wilson is a 16-year-old sprinter who has already made history as the youngest male to qualify for the US track-and-field team. While he didn't qualify for individual events, Wilson is part of the 4x400m relay pool. His remarkable speed has earned him a top-10 spot in his sport.

Lola Tambling, 16, Skateboarding, Great Britain

Image: Lauren Muller

Lola Tambling is making her Olympic debut for Great Britain's skateboarding team at age 16. She previously won the 2022 British National Championships and placed sixth at the 2023 World Championships. Tambling is gearing up to compete in the women's park event next week.

Dominika Banevič, 17, Breaking, Lithuania

Image: Reuters

Dominika Banevič, a 17-year-old breakdancer, is representing Lithuania in the Olympics' newest sport, breaking. Banevič has already achieved success, winning the gold medal at the World Breaking Championship in 2023. Her Olympic debut adds excitement to this innovative event.

Alex Shackell, 17, Swimming, United States

At 17, Alex Shackell is the third-youngest competitor on Team USA, swimming in the women's 200-meter butterfly race. She qualified after finishing second at the team trials. Shackell's older brother, Aaron, will also compete in Paris, making them one of several sibling duos at the Games.

Oldest Athletes:

Andy Macdonald, 50, Skateboarding, Great Britain

At 50, Andy Macdonald is the oldest skateboarder at the Games. Competing for Great Britain, the American-born skater is making his Olympic debut in Paris. Macdonald's participation highlights the diverse age range and talent in the Olympic skateboarding scene.

Nino Salukvadze, 55, Shooting, Georgia

Image: Reuters

Nino Salukvadze is making history by competing in her 10th Olympic Games at 55. The Georgian shooter debuted at the Seoul Games in 1988, winning gold and silver medals. Salukvadze's dedication and skill continue to make her a prominent figure in the world of shooting.

Carl Hester, 57, Equestrian, Great Britain

Image: Reuters

Carl Hester is competing in his seventh Olympic Games for Great Britain at 57. Hester has a long history of success, including gold in team dressage at the 2012 London Games and silver at the 2016 Rio Games. He continues to shine as one of Britain's top equestrians.

Zhiying Zeng, 58, Table Tennis, Chile

Image: Reuters

Zhiying Zeng, known as Tania, is making her Olympic debut at 58, playing table tennis for Chile. After a career that began in China and a move to Chile to coach young athletes, Zeng qualified for the Chilean team and competed in the preliminary round of the women's singles event.

Steffen Peters, 59, Equestrian, United States

Image: AP

Steffen Peters is the oldest Olympian on Team USA at 59. The equestrian has competed in five Summer Games since 1996, helping the US win a bronze medal in team dressage. Though Team USA was eliminated from dressage this year, Peters will still compete in individual events.

Mario Deslauriers, 59, Equestrian, Canada

Image: AP

Mario Deslauriers, 59, is making a comeback for Canada, four decades after his Olympic debut in Los Angeles in 1984. That same year, he became the youngest person to win the FEI World Final Cup. Deslauriers will join his Canadian teammates in the jumping events, adding to his storied career.

Pius Schwizer, 61, Equestrian, Switzerland

Swiss equestrian Pius Schwizer, 61, is returning to the Olympics after more than a decade. He competed in the 2008 and 2012 Summer Games, helping Switzerland earn a bronze medal in team jumping. Schwizer is set to ride in the jumping events in Paris, showcasing his enduring skill.

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, 62, Equestrian, Sweden

Image: Reuters

Rolf-Göran Bengtsson, 62, is representing Sweden in equestrian events. This seasoned rider has participated in five Olympic Games since his debut in Atlanta in 1996, winning two silver medals. Bengtsson will compete in the jumping team event on Thursday, continuing his legacy.

Juan Antonio Jiménez, 65, Equestrian, Spain

At 65, Juan Antonio Jiménez is the oldest qualifying Olympian at these Games. The Spanish equestrian has previously competed in Sydney in 2000 and Athens in 2004, helping Spain secure a silver medal in team dressage. Jiménez brings a wealth of experience and passion to Paris.

Mary Hanna, 69, Equestrian, Australia

Image: Reuters

While Mary Hanna, 69, is not competing as an active athlete, she serves as a reserve team member for Australia, showcasing her long-standing involvement in equestrian sports. Hanna's presence in Paris underscores the lasting dedication and enthusiasm experienced athletes bring to the Games.