10 Facts About Rudolf Schrader

Rudolf Schrader was an American gymnast who competed at the 1904 Summer Olympics in St Louis.

Until he was surpassed by Walter Walsh in March 2013, Rudolf Schrader was the longest-lived Olympian, having died in January 1981 at the age of 105.

Rudolf Schrader was born in Magdeburg, Germany on March 17,1875.

Rudolf Schrader joined the Arbeiter Turnverein gymnastics club and took up a job as an apprentice cabinetmaker, but later traveled to Chicago with financial backing from relatives who already lived in the United States.

Rudolf Schrader participated in his first local Turnfest, a German gymnastics tournament, as a senior in 1895 and his first national one in 1897.

Rudolf Schrader later held several administrative positions on the boards of various athletic clubs.

Rudolf Schrader worked as a cabinetmaker for Sears from 1906 until his 1940 retirement.

Rudolf Schrader turned 100 in March 1975 and was still riding a bicycle at the age of 103.

Rudolf Schrader died in Berwyn, Illinois on January 18,1981, at the age of 105 years, 307 days, making him the longest lived Olympian.

Rudolf Schrader held that title for over 32 years, until he was surpassed in age by Olympic shooter Walter Walsh of the United States in March 2013.