Longest time between Olympic appearances

Japanese equestrian Hiroshi Hoketsu (b. 28 March 1941) competed in the show jumping event at the Olympic Games in Tokyo, Japan, in 1964. He returned to the Olympic arena 44 years later when, on 13 August 2008, in Beijing, China, he took part in the individual and team dressage event.

Hoketsu, the second oldest Olympian ever after shooter Oscar Swahn (Sweden), was the oldest athlete at both Beijing 2008 and London 2012. He was 71 years 127 days old when he competed in the individual dressage at London 2012 on 2 August 2012.