BOSTON, MASS.- As the world eagerly anticipates the return of the Summer Olympics to Paris this summer, RR Auction kicks off 2024 with its most extensive Olympic sale yet. Featuring over 400 exceptional items, the auction is set to be a thrilling celebration of sporting history, with a focus on prestigious winner's medals, relay torches, pins, badges, participation medals, and rare ephemera.

The highlight of this spectacular auction is an extraordinary set of three medals awarded to American swimmer Steve Genter at the Munich 1972 Summer Olympics. This rare collection includes Genter's gold, silver, and bronze medals from the 4 x 200-meter freestyle relay, 200-meter freestyle, and 400-meter freestyle events.

Steve Genter, a 6-foot 4-inch undergraduate from UCLA, faced incredible challenges during the Munich Olympics. Battling a nagging cough and a collapsed lung, Genter's determination and resilience shone through. Refusing pain medication, he swam with a collapsed lung, finishing second in the 200-meter freestyle with a miraculous last-ditch effort. Two days later, he contributed to a gold-winning performance in the 4 x 200-meter relay, showcasing unparalleled dedication.

Genter's bronze medal in the 400-meter freestyle is equally remarkable, as it was awarded under unique circumstances. Initially placing third behind Rick DeMont and Brad Cooper, Genter later upgraded to second place after DeMont was stripped of his gold due to a medication-related disqualification. Faced with the option to return his bronze or accept silver, Genter chose the latter, standing in solidarity with his American teammate.

Another captivating lot in the auction is a silver 'first place' medal from the Athens 1896 Olympics—the first Modern Games. Any winner's medal from the historic debut of the 1896 Olympic Games remains exceedingly rare, and this marvelous example is one of the finest we have encountered. It is a historic piece as the premiere instance of a first-place Olympic medal, which still stands among the most sought-after accolades in the realm of sport.

The auction also features gold medals from various Olympic Games, including Paris 1924, Los Angeles 1932, Berlin 1936, London 1948, Tokyo 1964, and London 2012. Iconic relay torches from Lake Placid 1980, Calgary 1988, and Lillehammer 1994 add to the diverse and remarkable collection.

Entering its eighth year of twice-annual Olympic auctions, RR Auction has firmly established itself as a global leader in the sale of Olympic memorabilia and collectibles.

This unique offering is now available for bidding as part of RR Auction's Olympic Memorabilia auction, which commenced on December 15 and will conclude on January 18.