North Bay’s Scott Clark, 59, Becomes Oldest Canadian Gold Medalist at Paris 2024 Olympics

PARIS, FRANCE—In an event that has left the world both stunned and delighted, Scott Clark of North Bay, Ontario, has made history by becoming the oldest Canadian to win a gold medal at the 2024 Paris Olympics. Amazingly, on his birthday, at the ripe age of 59, Clark triumphed in the fiercely competitive sport of pickleball, proving that age is just a number and pickleball is, in fact, a sport.

Clark, whose pickleball journey began as a casual weekend activity to “stay active and annoy the neighbors,” has become an overnight sensation. His victory has not only secured his place in the annals of Olympic history but also sparked a nationwide pickleball craze. 

The Golden (Age) Game

The final match saw Clark facing off against a much younger opponent, 22-year-old Finn Johansson from Sweden. The crowd was electrified as Clark deftly maneuvered around the court, demonstrating agility and reflexes that belied his age. With every drop shot and smash, he garnered cheers and gasps from spectators.

In a post-match interview, Clark, still catching his breath, quipped, “I’ve always said, never underestimate a man with a passion for pickleball and a good pair of orthopedic shoes.”

From North Bay to the World Stage

Hailing from the small town of North Bay, Clark’s path to Olympic glory is the stuff of legend. Initially taking up the sport after a knee injury forced him to abandon his dream of becoming a competitive hopscotch champion, Clark found his true calling in pickleball. His dedication to the sport, combined with an unrelenting training regimen of weekly games at the local community centre, has clearly paid off.

Back home in North Bay, the town has erupted in celebration. Mayor Judy Williams declared, “We always knew Scott had it in him. This just goes to show, you can pickleball your way to greatness at any age!”

Image: Scott Clark – North Bay, Canada Pickleball Finals – Paris Olympics 2024

Pickleball Pandemonium

Clark’s victory has ignited a surge of interest in pickleball across Canada. Sporting goods stores are reporting a run on paddles and balls, and local clubs are struggling to keep up with the influx of new members eager to emulate Clark’s success. The Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) has even announced a new reality show, “Pickleball Dreams,” which will follow aspiring pickleball players on their journey to Olympic stardom.

Aging Local Hero Celebrates 59th Birthday

As for Clark, he has no plans to hang up his paddle just yet. “I’m looking forward to defending my title in Los Angeles 2028,” he said with a grin. “Plus, my wife Cheryl says I need to stay active, or she’ll start making me do yard work.”

Watch the most thrilling moments and in-depth player interviews from the latest Olympic pickleball matches.