Laura Kraut becomes oldest U.S. Olympic medallist in 72 years, inspiring a generation at Paris 2024 Olympics
The Paris 2024 Olympics really is a competition for a wide range of ages.
From People's Republic of China’s 11 year old skateboarder Zheng Haohao, through to Spain’s 65-year-old equestrian rider Juan Antonio Jiménez, there are plenty of generations continuing to break records in the French capital.
And making history for Team USA is Laura Kraut.
The 58-year-old showjumper won silver alongside teammates Karl Cook and McLain Ward on Friday (August 2), and in doing so became the oldest U.S. medallist at the Olympics Games in 72 years.
Kraut now has three Olympic medals to her name, and first made the podium at Beijing 2008 as part of the gold medal-winning U.S. team. She picked up her second Olympic medal when she won silver at Tokyo 2020.
The Florida-born showjumper’s career began at the early age of three, when she took her first riding lesson. Kraut’s childhood was spent taking lessons alongside her sister Mary, and the pair still work together today.
With over 100 Grand Prix wins and numerous Nations Cups appearances under her belt, Paris 2024 marks Kraut’s fifth Olympic Games, and her second riding Baloutinue - with whom she picked up silver in Tokyo.
The 58 year old’s first taste of an Olympic Games came at Barcelona 1992 when she was named as Team USA’s travelling reserve.
“I had never even left the country,” she recently revealed. “I had to get a passport to go to the Olympics.”
Kraut won gold with Cedric at Beijing 2008, but with the equestrian venue being in Hong Kong, she based over 1200 miles away from the Olympic Village.
“In Hong Kong, we were separated,” she said. “That being said, Hong Kong was great, and we really enjoyed it. I think our camaraderie there was wonderful.”
The showjumper was travelling reserve again for Rio 2016 where her partner Nick Skelton, Team GB showjumper, won the individual gold.
Kraut came into Paris 2024 with a wealth of Olympic experience and knew what it would take to medal in the French capital.
“I think in every sport there are a lot of people who really want to make an Olympic team, but I think there are the ones who actually not only want to make it, but they want to win when they get there."
And alongside inspiring the current generation of winners, Kraut is looking to the future in sight of those who can help continue Team USA's legacy.
"It is essential that we all stay focused on what is the pinnacle of our sport - which is the Olympic Games - and that we focus on getting young riders to rise to that level, so that they can take over from myself and others as we all age out," she explained.
"I would love to see the new generation moving in and being at the top of the sport like the United States has been for many decades."