The 30 Minute Rule begins July 23 at 7:00 PM EDT. An Initial Bid Must Be Placed By July 23 at 6:00 PM EDT To Participate After 6:00 PM EDT
Antwerp 1920 Olympics presentation trophy presented to Paavo Nurmi for his gold medal victory in the 10,000 meters by Baron Pierre de Coubertin. The heavy sculptural trophy, weighing approximately 22 pounds and measuring 11.75˝ x 9.75˝ x 7.25˝, depicts a crouching runner in the starting position, the figure apparently cast in patinated metal and mounted to a rectangular marble base. The top of the plinth is incised by the sculptor, “Adolf Wagner v. d. Mühl, 1920.” Affixed to one side of the marble base is an engraved French presentation plaque, in full: “Le trophée offers à M. Paavo Nurmi pour sa victoire au 10000 mètres aux Jeux Olympiques Anvers 1920. Baron Pierre de Coubertin, Anvers 1920,” translated: “The trophy offered to Mr. Paavo Nurmi for his victory in the 10,000 meters at the Antwerp 1920 Olympic Games. Baron Pierre de Coubertin, Antwerp 1920.” The opposite side bears an affixed plaque reading: “Olympiska Spelen Antwerpen 1920.” In very good to fine condition, with scattered surface wear to the figure and plinth, and small chips and scratches to the marble base, which is slightly loose.
The 1920 Antwerp Olympics marked Paavo Nurmi’s Olympic debut and the beginning of one of the most celebrated careers in the history of track and field. Nurmi won the 10,000-meter final on July 20, 1920, claiming the first of his nine Olympic gold medals. Presented by Pierre de Coubertin, founder of the modern Olympic movement, this remarkable trophy directly links two towering figures of Olympic history: the visionary who revived the Games and the Finnish distance runner who became one of their defining champions.
