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Winner's diploma issued to swimmer Johnny Weissmuller for the Olympic trials held at Indianapolis prior to the Paris 1924 Summer Olympics, one page, 7.75 x 5.75, June 5, 1924. In full: "This certifies that J. Weismuller [sic] was a competitor in the Try-outs at Indianapolis held by the American Olympic Committee to prepare a team to represent the United States of America at the VIII Olympiad—Paris—France—1924, and won 1st place in 100m Free style Swim." Signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by American Olympic Committee President Robert Means Thompson and countersigned by Secretary Frederick W. Rubien. In fine condition.
Eleven swimming events were contested at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, six for men and five for women. The United States team, coached by Bill Bachrach, won 19 of the 33 medals, and nine of the 11 gold medals. Most notably, Johnny Weissmuller won three gold medals, surfing pioneer Duke Kahanamoku won a silver, and the great Warren Kealoha won a gold. Weissmuller would famously go on to appear as Tarzan in twelve feature films from 1932 to 1948.
Robert Means Thompson was a United States Navy officer, business magnate, and philanthropist (1849–1930) who twice served as president of the American Olympic Association: once for the 1912 Summer Olympics, and again for the 1924 games.
