Santiago Lange lost count of how many times he broke down during the celebration on the shore of Guanabara Bay, where one of the more remarkable stories of the Rio Olympics played out.
“It was many,” said Lange, a 54-year-old Argentine who became the oldest medalist at the Rio Games.
Lange, a cancer survivor and six-time Olympian, and crewmember Cecilia Carranza Saroli won the first Olympic gold medal in the Nacra 17 mixed catamaran class Tuesday at the sailing regatta. What followed at Flamengo Beach were unending rounds of group hugs, handshakes and backslaps.
“These whole games have been incredible for me,” said Lange, who marched alongside sons Yago and Klaus during the opening ceremony. “They’ve been a very emotional games. Watching the racing of my sons, and my sons watching my racing, and today celebrating with them. It’s just been too much for me.”
The shore-side celebration lasted for several minutes, with several people waving Argentine flags.
