Who is the youngest athlete to win gold at the Olympics?

Marjorie Gestring is the youngest athlete to win a gold medal at the Olympics.

The Olympics has seen many youngsters reach milestones over the years. The youngest gold medallist record at the Summer Games belongs to Marjorie Gestring. She was 13 years and 268 days old while securing the gold medal during the 1936 Berlin Olympics.

Gestring took part in diving in the 3m springboard event. The young athlete broke the record of Hans Bourquin who was 14 years old when he won the gold at rowing in Coxed pairs. Bourquin set the previous record during the 1928 Amsterdam Olympics.

Gestring also broke the American record for the youngest gold medallist. The previous record was held by Aileen Riggin who too found success in the women’s 3m springboard event. 

Riggin was 14 days and 119 days old when she was on top of the podium during the 1920 Antwerp Olympics.

Gestring’s record stands strong even today even after 88 years. It seems unlikely that the record would be broken anytime soon. There are young athletes who compete at the Olympics, but to be the best at the games is difficult even for seasoned champions.

The American athlete scored 89.27 points while the silver medallist, Katherine Rawls finished with 88.35. It was a clean sweep by the Americans in the event as the bronze medallist, Dorothy Poynton-Hill received 82.36 points.

Also Read: Who is the all-time youngest athlete to compete at the Olympics?

Hill was also 13-years-old when she stood third in the podium. She made sure the American streak continued in the games in the women’s 3m springboard event. The American women’s diving team dominated the event ensuring a clean sweep from 1920 till 1948 Olympics.

Gestring was born on 18 November, 1922 and made her debut in the Olympics at Berlin in 1936. She did not compete at the Summer Games after her iconic win. The teenager came close to qualifying for the 1948 London Olympics, but finished fourth in the US Olympic trials.

Even though Gestring has competed only once at the Summer Games, her gold medal win at Berlin stands as a historic landmark in the sporting world.

Gestring’s legacy serves as an inspiration to American and athletes worldwide. The teenager overcame fear and doubts to set an example to youngsters who face hurdles on their way to success.

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