Caitlyn Jenner’s 1984 Olympic Torch Heads to Auction

Jenner with the torch.
Photo: Courtesy of Heritage Auctions.

Heritage Auctions is offering the Olympic torch carried by Caitlyn (then Bruce) Jenner at the 1984 summer games in Lake Tahoe, Nevada. The sale, titled Platinum Night Sports Auction, will be held on July 30 in Chicago. Heritage says the torch, which measures 24 inches and features a brass finish and leather handle, could fetch upwards of $20,000.

Los Angeles-based philanthropist Bob Lorsch has consigned the torch. Lorsch, an entrepreneur who orchestrated the Tahoe part of the Olympic torch relay, was responsible for Jenner’s participation.

Heritage specialist Chris Ivy told the New York Post‘s Page Six columnist: “This torch serves as a wonderful symbol that masculinity and femininity are not mutually exclusive. The decathlon has long been considered the ultimate athletic proving ground, Jenner has played both gender roles masterfully.”

In this undated photo provided by Heritage Auctions, the 1984 Summer Olympics Torch that Bruce Jenner carried through Lake Tahoe, Nevada is shown. The 24-inch torch, featuring a brass finish and wood handle, is being offered by Heritage Auctions on July 30, 2015, at its Platinum Night Sports Auction in Chicago. It is the first significant piece of Jenner memorabilia to go to auction since the winner of the 1976 Olympic Decathlon Gold Medal became Caitlyn Jenner. (Heritage Auctions via AP)

The 1984 Summer Olympics Torch that Bruce Jenner carried through Lake Tahoe, Nevada will be offered at Heritage Auction’s July 30 Platinum Night Sports Auction in Chicago on July 30

Jenner was asked to carry the torch as part of the games to help support Ceasars Tahoe’s program of giving back to the community and promoting youth programs in the area.

“Ceasars saw it as a tremendous opportunity…to do something more special,” said Lorsch, “never realizing that we would be creating what is truly a piece of history that originated as a piece of sports history, then evolved as a piece of entertainment history through the Kardashian legacy and becoming a cultural phenomenon through the transition to Caitlyn.”

Caitlyn Jenner shot by Annie Leibovitz on the cover of Vanity Fair. Photo: Vanity Fair.

Caitlyn Jenner shot by Annie Leibovitz on the cover of Vanity Fair.
Photo: Vanity Fair.

Ivy said that this is the first significant Jenner memorabilia to reach the auction block, aside from some other minor trinkets and signed memorabilia.

For related coverage, see:

16 Works of Soccer Art

Deflate Gate Football to be Sold at Auction

Annie Leibovitz Shoots Caitlyn Jenner for Vanity Fair Cover

Miley Cyrus Turns Caitlyn Jenner Vanity Fair Cover Into Gauche Glittery Art

 

 

 

 


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