Sailor dies as world’s oldest Olympian

The world’s oldest surviving Olympian, Felix Sienra, died January 30, 2023 at the age of 107. Sienra represented Uruguay in sailing at the 1948 Summer Olympics in London. Following his recent birthday on January 21, he died peacefully in his sleep.

Sienra took part in the Firefly, finishing sixth overall behind the legendary Danish sailor Paul Elvstrom who won gold. The racing was held on the coast at Torbay in the south west of England.

He studied and became a lawyer but remained closely connected with the sport of sailing. He served as vice-president of the Uruguayan Olympic Committee and was Commodore of the Yacht Club of Uruguay from 1973 to 1975 and again from 2003 to 2005.

He last sailed in a boat at celebrations to mark his 100th birthday.

In January, he attained the greatest age of any living Olympian surpassing the previous record holder – American shooter Walter Walsh, who had also competed at the 1948 Games.