The torch carried by Bruce Jenner through Lake Tahoe, Nevada for the 1984 Summer Olympics is now for auction. This is the first memorabilia to be put up for auction since Bruce Jenner made the transition to Caitlyn Jenner.
The torch is 24 inches long and has a brass finish with a leather handle. It will be auctioned on July 30, 2015 by Heritage Auctions at their Platinum Night Sports Auction held in Chicago. The seller, Bob Lorsch, is a philanthropist and entrepreneur from Los Angeles, California. Lorsch was the one who made the arrangements for Jenner to participate in the Tahoe leg of the torch relay.
Chris Ivy, Heritage’s director of sports auctions, believes the torch symbolizes much more than just athleticism and hints that it is a symbol of inclusiveness for the LBGT community. He also adds on Jenner’s ability to have both strong masculinity and femininity.
“This torch serves as a wonderful symbol that masculinity and femininity are not mutually exclusive. The decathlon has long been considered the ultimate athletic proving ground. Jenner has played both gender roles masterfully.”
In addition, Lorsch’s idea of what the torch symbolizes is similar to Ivy’s.
“… Never realizing that we would be creating what is truly a piece of history that originated as a piece of sports history, then evolved as a piece of entertainment history through the Kardashian legacy and becoming a cultural phenomenon through the transition to Caitlyn.”
This is the first major piece of Jenner memorabilia to ever be put on the auction block. With that being said, the torch is expected to go for at least $20,000.
