Claudia Riegler, at 52 years and seven months, made her mark as the oldest competitor in the Winter Olympics held in Milan-Cortina d'Ampezzo, Italy. She competed in the parallel giant slalom event on Sunday, where she's noted not only for her age but also for her previous accomplishments, including becoming the world champion in the same discipline eleven years ago in Kreischberg, Austria. This appearance marks her fifth Olympic Games, having first competed 24 years ago in Salt Lake City.

Riegler's journey in professional snowboarding has not been without its challenges, as she faced age-related dismissal from national teams when she was just 30 years old. She recalled her early career where the perception of aging athletes left her out of the competition, but her tenacity and undying passion for the sport have kept her at the forefront. In 2011, she made history by earning a silver medal in the parallel giant slalom and a bronze in the parallel slalom during the World Championships in La Molina, Spain.

As Riegler heads into the competition, she also carries a legacy through her sister Manuela, who was also a successful snowboarder and now works in communications for the Austrian Ski Federation. Riegler’s participation symbolizes resilience and determination, and she continues to inspire athletes of all ages, proving that passion knows no age limit in sports.