'Colonel' Godfrey Rampling: Oldest Olympian Dies at Age 100

by Tina Kells | June 29, 2009 at 11:26 am

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Godfrey Rampling, known by the nickname 'Colonel', died June 20, 2009 at the age of 100; he had celebrated his century of life just one month earlier, on May 14, 2009. Rampling's death was confirmed June 29, 2009 by Linda Simpson, a member of staff at his nursing home. He is survived by his daughter, British actress Charlotte Rampling.

'Colonel' Godfrey Rampling was the world's oldest living Olympian and the world's oldest living Olympic gold medalist. In the infamous Hitler hosted 1936 Olympic Games in Berlin Godfrey won a gold medal in the 4x400 meter relay.

Rampling went on to a 29 year career in the Royal Artillery which is where he earned the nickname 'Colonel.' Godfrey Rampling retired from military service in 1958 at the age of 49 and lived a civilian life of relative anonymity until he was declared the world's oldest living Olympian in 2007.

A member of staff at the care home where he lived in Bushey, Hertfordshire said that he died in his sleep on June 20.

He celebrated his 100th birthday last month with his film actress daughter Charlotte Rampling and other family and friends.

The centurion was also welcomed by trumpeters from the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery to his party.

Mr Rampling modestly described his success as: "All a question of people doing something and really feeling that they are getting something done."

He was born in Blackheath, south east London, and spent 29 years in the Royal Artillery. He retired with the rank of Colonel - which became his nickname - in 1958.