OLYMPIC GOLD MEDAL NEVER TO BE REPEATED

Since the first Summer Olympic Games in 1896, there have been approx. 5,400 gold medals awarded in the modern era.  If you were one of the more than 166,500 athletes competing, you had on balance a 2-3% chance of taking home a gold medal.

Maureen Caird not only brought home gold in the 1968 Mexico Olympics, but the talented Australian hurdler also created history on two other fronts.  

At 17, she became the youngest-ever individual Olympics athletics champion (she would lose that 'title' to German high-jumper Ulrike Nasse-Meyfarth in 1972).  She was also the last athlete to win the 80m event before it was withdrawn from Olympic competition, so her world record time of 10.39sec will stand forever.

"This was a remarkable achievement for an athlete who wasn't expected to win," says Charles Leski.  "She faced the best hurdlers in the world including world record holder Vera Korsakova from the USSR, Karin Balzer of East Germany and Australian Pam Kilborn."

These games also involved another Australian athlete in one of the most controversial acts in Olympics history.  Peter Norman supported two Black athletes who performed a Black Power salute on the podium to highlight racism in the US.  

Lot 584 is the Gold Medal awarded to Maureen Caird at the 1968 Summer Olympics for the 80m hurdles.  The medal features an original design by one of Italy's greatest artists and sculptors, Guiseppe Cassioli. The lot includes the gold medallist's diploma and a rare miniature version of the gold medal lapel badge. 

The front is inscribed 'XIX Olimpiada Mexico 1968' and features a 'Seated Victory' with the Colosseum in the background.  

The reverse (shown above) depicts a victorious athlete with palm branch being carried on the shoulders of other athletes.  

The pre-sale estimate is $20,000 - $25,000.

The auction will be held on Wednesday, May 1st from 10.00am.  Details can be found at www.leski.com.au.

About Leski Auctions
Leski Auctions was established in 1973. Today, it is regarded as one of Australia's leading auctioneers of Sporting Memorabilia, Australian Art & Antiques, Collectibles and World Philately.  

Among the many significant collections that Leski Auctions has been privileged to sell are those of Shirley Strickland, Ron Clarke, Sir Reginald Ansett and former RSL President, Bruce Ruxton.  It has sold more 'baggy green' caps than any other auction house in the world.

Charles Leski is a registered valuer for the Department of Environment, Water, Heritage and the Arts' Cultural Gifts Program.  He is also the valuer of the displayed items at the National Sports Museum at the MCG, Melbourne.  

The company is located at 727-729 High Street Armadale, Victoria 3143 Australia.  
Tel +61 3 8539 6150/+61 412 053 692 and www.leski.com.au