PARIS — Roger Lebranchu, a remarkable World War II veteran who endured the harrowing experience of Nazi concentration camps, has passed away at the age of 102.

The French Rowing Federation made the announcement regarding his death on Friday.

Lebranchu was part of the French rowing team that competed at the 1948 Olympics and he was also known for his role in the Resistance movement during the war.

He made the courageous decision to resist the Obligatory Labour Service, opting instead to join the Resistance in southeastern France. Lebranchu was arrested in 1943, which led to his deportation to the Buchenwald concentration camp and its annex in Schönebeck.

In a stroke of luck, he succeeded in escaping when the camp was evacuated in 1945.

After the conclusion of the war, he emerged as the French rowing champion in both 1946 and 1947. He represented France in the coxed eight at the London Olympic Games, finishing in an impressive fourth place. Notably, he continued to row until he was 79 years old, as reported by the rowing federation.

Just last year, Lebranchu had the honor of carrying the Olympic flame through Mont-Saint-Michel as a lead-up to the upcoming Paris Games.

In preparation for the relay, he trained alongside his grandson, simulating the Olympic torch by holding a 1.5-liter bottle of water, which weighed about the same.

In a statement to the press, the French Olympic Committee confirmed that Lebranchu appeared to be the oldest living male participant of the Olympic Games after consulting their culture department.

Additionally, Lebranchu held the title of Commander of the Legion of Honor, as acknowledged by the rowing federation.

His life was marked by resilience and remarkable achievements both in sport and in his stand against oppression.