TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Since its revival in 1896, the modern Olympic Games have consistently captivated global audiences. The 2026 Winter Olympics feature 92 competing countries, presenting roughly 2,900 elite athletes across nationalities, genders, and ages.
Among other fascinating phenomena within the courts, the youngest olympians in history continue to prompt admiration from fans alike, with fans marveling at how athletes so early in life are already commanding the world’s biggest sporting platform.
Some world-class competitors will forever be etched in viewers' hearts. Dimitrios Loundras and Beatrice Hispules are cited as the youngest athletes ever to compete.
Who is the Youngest Olympic Gold Medalist?
At the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics, 13-year-old Kim Yun-Mi etched her name into Olympic history, becoming the youngest Olympian ever crowned at the Winter Games. According to Guinness World Records, Kim remarkably claimed her title at just 13 years and 85 days old through her stunning legacy in the 3,000-meter short-track speed skating relay.
The Youngest Olympians in History
Here’s a closer look at some of the youngest Olympians in history, according to Teen Vogue, USA Today, and ESPN.
Dimitros Loundras – Age: 10
Long before teenage prodigies became headline stories, Dimitrios Loundras made history at the 1896 Summer Olympics, earning a bronze medal at just 10 years old as part of Greece’s gymnastics squad.
Beatrice Histiu – Age: 11
Representing Romania on one of sport’s grandest stages, Beatrice Hutiu took to the ice in the singles figure skating competition at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France, ultimately finishing 29th in a field stacked with the world’s elite.
Inge Sorensen – Age: 12
While Loundras and Giavotti achieved their milestones in team competition, Denmark’s Inge Sorensen emerged as the youngest individual Olympic medalist ever. Her bronze-medal swim in the 200-meter breaststroke at the 1936 Summer Olympics remains one of the most remarkable youth achievements in Games history.
Marjorie Gestrin – Age:13
At the 1936 Summer Olympics, 13-year-old Marjorie Gestring rose above seasoned competitors to secure gold in the springboard.
Sky Brown – Age: 13
At just 13 years old, Sky Brown announced her arrival on the Olympic stage with a bronze medal in the women’s park skateboarding event at the 2020 Summer Olympics, representing Great Britain in her Games debut
Hongchan Quan – Age: 14
The 2020 Summer Olympics introduced the world to a 14-year-old phenomenon in Hongchan Quan, who clinched gold in the individual 10-meter platform with a record-setting display. Her breakthrough was powered not only by technical brilliance but by a deeply personal mission to support her mother through illness.
Abby Winterberger – Age: 15
Among Team USA’s lineup at the 2026 Winter Olympics, it is 15-year-old Abby Winterberger who stands out as the youngest athlete, preparing to make her mark in the women’s freeski halfpipe.
Across generations, teenage prodigies and even pre-teens have stepped into arenas filled with seasoned veterans, proving that excellence is not defined by age but by courage, discipline, and belief.
Curious about how the Games will conclude and what to expect from the grand finale? Read the full guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Closing Ceremony here.
Read: Nationality at the Olympics: Does It Matter?
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