Thomas Scott (archer)

Lore & Background

Thomas Foster Scott was born in Warren, Ohio on January 3, 1833. He later competed for the United States at the 1904 Summer Olympics as a member of the Cincinnati Archers. Both of his events—the men's double American round and the men's double York round—were held on September 19, 1904. In the double American round, Scott ranked 17th among 22 competitors with a score of 562, hitting 135 targets across three phases at 40, 50, and 60 yards. In the double York round, he ranked 13th among 16 competitors with a score of 375, hitting 99 targets across phases at 60, 80, and 100 yards. Scott's daughter, Matilda Howell, also competed in the 1904 Olympics and won three gold medals in archery. Scott died in Norwood, Ohio on June 23, 1911, six years after his Olympic appearance.

Reader's Guide

Thomas Scott's significance lies in his record as the oldest archer ever to compete in the Olympic Games, a distinction he held as of 2013. Competing at 71 years and 260 days, he participated in both the men's double American round and the men's double York round at the 1904 Summer Olympics, representing the Cincinnati Archers. Though he did not win medals—placing 17th and 13th respectively—his participation underscores the broad age range of early Olympic competitors. His daughter, Matilda Howell, achieved greater renown by winning three gold medals in the same Games, making the Scott family a notable presence in early Olympic archery. Scott's legacy is primarily tied to his age record, which remains a benchmark for longevity in the sport.

Did You Know?

• Thomas Scott was 71 years and 260 days old when he competed in the 1904 Olympics.
• He is the oldest person to have competed in an Olympic archery event.
• His daughter Matilda Howell won three gold medals in archery at the same 1904 Olympics.