The Olympics have long showcased exceptional talent, but the stories of the youngest competitors are particularly inspiring. As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan approach, a spotlight shines on athletes who have made their Olympic debuts at remarkably young ages. This article explores 21 of the youngest Olympians, illustrating that in the world of sports, age truly is just a number.
Trailblazers of Youth in Olympic History
Among the youngest Olympians is Dimitrios Loundras, who made his mark in the 1896 Summer Olympics in Athens at just 10 years old. Competing as part of Greece’s artistic gymnastics team, he earned a bronze medal, making him one of the youngest medallists in Olympic history. Fast forward to the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, and we find Beatrice Huștiu, an 11-year-old Romanian figure skater who finished 29th in her event.
The 1928 Summer Olympics in Amsterdam saw a trio of young gymnasts from Italy. Luigina Giavotti, aged 11, and Carla Marangoni and Ines Vercesi, both 12, contributed to the team’s silver medal in artistic gymnastics, a testament to their extraordinary talent.
In 1936, Denmark’s Inge Sørensen became the youngest individual Olympic medalist at 12, winning bronze in the 200-meter breaststroke during the Berlin Games. This remarkable achievement set a precedent for future young athletes.
Young Stars of Recent Olympics
The 2020 Tokyo Olympics, held in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, introduced skateboarding to the Olympic stage, and Cocona Hiraki made headlines by clinching silver at only 12 years old in the women’s park event. Another standout, Hend Zaza from Syria, was not only the youngest competitor at the Tokyo Games but the youngest Olympian since 1992.
At 13, Gaurika Singh of Nepal demonstrated remarkable composure during her Olympic debut in the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio. Despite a wardrobe malfunction just before her 100-meter backstroke race, she managed to compete, showcasing her resilience.
Also at 13, Sky Brown won a bronze medal for Great Britain in women’s park skateboarding in Tokyo. Fellow skateboarder Rayssa Leal from Brazil matched her achievement, earning silver in women’s street skateboarding.
The diving pool also featured young talent, with Hongchan Quan from China winning gold in the individual 10-meter platform at just 14 years old during the Tokyo Games. She not only secured her place as a champion but also set a new record.
A New Generation of Olympians
The journey of young Olympians continues with figures like Abby Winterberger, who at 15, is set to represent Team USA in the 2026 Winter Olympics in the women’s free ski half-pipe. Her commitment to the sport exemplifies the dedication required to reach such heights.
In the past, athletes like Tara Lipinski and Katie Ledecky have left indelible marks on Olympic history. Lipinski became the youngest Olympic figure skating champion at 15 during the 1998 Winter Olympics, while Ledecky won her first gold at the age of 15 in the freestyle 800-meter race at the 2012 London Olympics. Both athletes are now celebrated icons in their respective sports.
As the Olympics evolve, these young athletes remind us of the passion and determination required to compete at the highest level. Their stories not only inspire future generations but also serve as a testament to the ever-expanding boundaries of youth in sports. The upcoming Olympics promise to unveil new talent and perhaps, new records, as these young stars continue to shine on the global stage.
