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Oskar SwahnLegendary Swedish marksman
Date of Birth: 20.10.1847
Country:  Sweden |
Content:
- The Legendary Swedish Marksman
- Career Highlights
- Oldest Olympic Champion
- Oldest Olympic Medalist
- Missed Opportunity
- Dominance in Stockholm
- Father-Son Dynasty
- Eccentricities
- Olympic Pioneer
The Legendary Swedish Marksman
Oskar Swan, a Swedish shooting legend, made history as a three-time Olympic champion, the oldest medalist in Olympic history, and the father of another three-time Olympic medalist, Alfred Swan.
Career Highlights
Oskar Swan competed in three Olympics (1908, 1912, and 1920), winning an astonishing three gold, one silver, and two bronze medals. At the age of 60, he claimed his first Olympic gold in 1908.
Oldest Olympic Champion
In 1912, at the age of 64, Swan etched his name in history as the oldest Olympic champion when he led the Swedish team to victory in the "running deer" single-shot competition. This record stands to this day.
Oldest Olympic Medalist
Swan's remarkable career culminated in a silver medal at the 1920 Olympics at the age of 72, making him the oldest Olympic medalist of all time.
Missed Opportunity
Unfortunately, Swan was unable to participate in the 1924 Olympics in Paris due to illness.
Dominance in Stockholm
At the 1912 Olympics in Stockholm, Swan won a bronze medal in the "running deer" double-shot competition. Notably, Swedish marksmen occupied the top nine positions, with only French Baron Charles de Jobert breaking their dominance.
Father-Son Dynasty
Together, Oskar Swan and his son Alfred competed in three Olympics, amassing a staggering seven medals each. In Paris 1924, Alfred added two more bronzes to their family legacy, making them the most successful father-son duo in Olympic history.
Eccentricities
Beyond his exceptional shooting prowess, Oskar Swan was known for his eccentricities. He sported long hair and a beard, and insisted on wearing a black coat and hat while competing. Furthermore, he only kept his gold medals, discarding or gifting the others.
Olympic Pioneer
Oskar Swan was a contemporary of Baron Pierre de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympic movement. Swan's career spanned more than 15 years after the inaugural Games.
