Caitlyn Jenner, who many know of as Bruce Jenner, is a retired American athlete known for winning the men’s decathlon at the 1976 Summer Olympics. Lately she has hit the headlines to become the most famous transgendered person on Earth. However her past is surfacing up in form of a 1984 Olympic torch carried by her through Lake Tahoe, Nevada, eight years after winning the Olympic title.
This time the Olympic torch will pass hands again as it will be auctioned at Heritage Auctions’ Summer Platinum Night event on July 30. It is the first piece of memorabilia to hit the auction block since the 65-year-old became Caitlyn Jenner. The 24-inch flare features a brass finish and leather handle. It is currently owned by Bob Lorsch, who was instrumental in securing Jenner to carry the flame over 30 years ago.
Jenner and the torch crossed from the Nevada side of Lake Tahoe into California as part of an 82-day relay that covered over 9,300 miles and 33 states. At the time, the 34-year-old athlete and winner of the 1976 Olympic decathlon had recently fallen off a motorcycle and sustained a broken leg, but she managed to have the cast off in time to participate in the relay.
Jenner was sponsored by Caesars Tahoe Hotel Casino and ran in support of its philanthropic youth program. Though the torch is expected to sell for over $20,000, currently it sports a $7,500 bid (at the time of posting).
Jenner had at that time quoted, “I hate to run. I don’t run. I can’t stand running. And anyway I know people will laugh at me when they see my knees. But it’s for a good cause, so I’ll do it.”
