Hiroshi Hoketsu and Whisper
© Getty Images
The Japanese equestrian rider Hiroshi Hoketsu, who participated in the 1964 Tokyo Olympics is looking to represent Japan again at the 2020 Tokyo Olympic games, where he will be 79 years old.
Hiroshi Hoketsu, aged 23 had his Olympic debut in 1964 at the Tokyo olympics for show jumping, where he finished in 40th position. Hoketsu also qualified for the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, however was unable to compete due to his horse being quarantined. Hoketsu had a discipline change when he was in his 30s, and switched from show jumping to dressage.
In 2008 Hoketsu returned to competing at the Olympics after a hiatus of 44 years, where he was the oldest Japanese Olympic athlete to compete ever at that time.
He competed at the Beijing Olympic Games, aged 67 and continued on to compete at the 2012 London Olympic Games, aged 71.
Hiroshi Hoketsu is the oldest Olympian to have ever competed for Japan, and is the third oldest Olympian to have ever competed. Hoketsu sits behind shooter Oscar Swahn of Sweden and Arthur Von Pongracz, who competed in the dressage at the 1936 Olympics in Berlin, at the age of 72.
By Equestrian Life
