Steve Genter Auctioning Off Three Medals from 1972 Munich Olympics

Photo Courtesy: RR Auction

Steve Genter Auctioning Off Three Medals from 1972 Munich Olympics

A trio of Olympic medals from the 1972 Games will be up for grabs at an Olympic themed auction by Boston-based RR Auction. Steve Genter, who won a medal of each color at those Games, has decided to make available his medals from a remarkable performance that was overshadowed by U.S. teammate Mark Spitz but simply remarkable under the circumstances.

That’s because Genter won his medals days after he was diagnosed with a collapsed lung. Doctors in Munich inserted a chest tube to alleviate Genter’ condition, but because he still hoped to compete, Genter opted against any pain medication, wary of accidentally ingesting a banned substance.

As soon as he was finally released from the hospital and allowed to swim, Genter raced the 200 freestyle as scheduled, and he actually had the lead through midway down the third length. But at that point, Genter’s stitches ruptured, and he had to fight through immense pain and minimal feeling in his arms and legs to hold on for silver. He came in at 1:53.73, about a second behind Spitz’s world record of 1:52.78 but two tenths ahead of West German bronze medalist Werner Lampe.

Later on, Genter swam the third leg of the U.S. men’s 800 free relay that set a world record, and then he placed third in the 400 free final behind American teammate Rick DeMont and Australia’s Brad Cooper. However, DeMont was disqualified after testing positive for a banned substance. The decision was controversial given that DeMont had disclosed his use of asthma medication to U.S. team doctors, but the doctors had failed to identify a banned substance within the medication.

In the aftermath, Genter chose to retain his initial bronze medal rather than returning it and taking silver, showing support for his American teammate.

“For most of my life, the medals represented a defining moment in time. Each medal is uniquely intertwined with the Olympic experience, making those memories lifelong. I get goosebumps every time I recall those moments,” Genter said in a press release from RR Auction. “Now, the gold, silver and bronze Olympic medals are going to help someone who I care deeply about. A defining moment— again.”

Name*

Email*

Welcome to our community. We invite you to join our discussion. Our community guidelines are simple: be respectful and constructive, keep on topic, and support your fellow commenters. Commenting signifies that you agree to our Terms of Use