The Italian National Olympic Committee has paid tribute to Carla Marangoni ©CONI

Carla Marangoni, who was the world's oldest surviving Olympic medallist, has died at the age of 102.

The Italian gymnast won team silver with her country at the Amsterdam 1928 Games, when she was just 12-years-old.

This was the first Olympic women's medal in Italian history, and Marangoni was the only surviving participant from the Games in the Dutch capital.

"She will remain an unforgettable protagonist in the history of Italian sport and the Olympic Movement," said a statement from the Italian National Olympic Committee.

Carla Marangoni competed in the Italian team at Amsterdam 1928 ©CONI
Carla Marangoni competed in the Italian team at Amsterdam 1928 ©CONI

According to Italian newspaper La Gazzetta dello Sport, Marangoni died at her home in Pavia without ever spending a day in hospital.

After her gymnastics career she studied as an accountant.

Sir Durward Knowles, the winner of the star class gold medal at Tokyo 1964, is thought to be the oldest Olympic champion alive.

The Bahamas-born sailor is 100-years-old.