Winter Premier Auction 2017
Wed, Jan 4, 2017 04:00PM EST - Sat, Jan 21, 2017 11:00PM EST
Timed Auction
Lot 960
MUHAMMAD ALI SIGNED 2000 SYDNEY OLYMPIC GAMES TORCH WITH BEAUTIFUL DISPLAY (COA FROM SYDNEY OC)
Sold for
$3,189.60
Sold Price includes BP
Bid Increments
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|---|---|
| $0 | $10 |
| $200 | $25 |
| $500 | $50 |
| $1,000 | $100 |
| $3,000 | $250 |
| $5,000 | $500 |
| $10,000 | $1,000 |
| $30,000 | $2,500 |
| $50,000 | $5,000 |
| $100,000 | $10,000 |
| $200,000 | $20,000 |
| $300,000 | $25,000 |
| $500,000 | $50,000 |
We all remember the late Muhammad Ali raising the torch at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics as his arm shook from the uncontrollable reflexes caused by Parkinson's--a truly courageous and heartwarming moment. "The Greatest" has signed several commemorative relay torches from those '96 Games which have become a common albeit valuable Ali collectible in the market. Offered here is a much scarcer Ali signed torch from the 2000 Sydney Olympics which he also attended--a bit more incognito than his worldwide television appearance in '96.
Comprised of steel and aluminum this lovely white and aqua torch is unused and presents beautifully with its very own custom display stand. The torch measures just over 30" long and 4" at its widest. It is designed by Blue Sky Design and manufactured by G.A. & L. Harrington Pty Ltd. The tree layers represent earth fire and water and its overall aesthetic drew Aussie influence from the Sydney Opera House the Great Barrier Reef and the boomerang. The Sydney Games emblem is stamped prominently at the top white section of the torch. Muhammad Ali's signature in 8/10 blue felt marker adorns the handle (lower white section). These Games were considered one of the best organized and most exciting ever. The torch relay was quite an ordeal that lasted four months and included 13400 torchbearers ending with Aborigine track and field star Kathy Freeman igniting the Olympic flame
The 2000 Olympic Games marked Ali's third visit to the continent down under. As reported locally "the day before the opening ceremony he visited Rosehill racecourse and managed to put on a classic display for the punters who flocked to see him. Ali said: 'Hello this is me. The greatest of all time. God bless you all and stay out of trouble. Don't be a fool stay cool.' "
Ali signed the torch at the 2000 Summer Games in Sydney according to aletter of provenance from the dealer who organized the signing session. As if Ali's signature on a striking Olympic torch is not enough this lot also includes a very impressive 35" high and 21" wide metal and Acrylic display case/stand that gives the overall presentation of this piece a major boost for one's office or home decor. The display piece weighs a solid 15 lbs. and the torch can be latched to two clasps.
Full LOA from PSA (W01195). COA from Sydney Organizing Committee for the Olympic Games (SOCOG).
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