The Olympic Gold medal won by one member of an inspirational team that became the subject of a book and major motion picture is coming to market.
Grey Flannel Auctions will offer the 1936 medal won by John White, one of the revered rowers whose story was the subject George Clooney directed film, The Boys in the Boat in its upcoming auction.
The Boys in the Boat tells the story of the University of Washington’s junior varsity rowing team’s extraordinary journey to the 1936 Olympics. Set against the backdrop of the Depression Era, the film highlights the determination and resilience of the eight-man crew and their coxswain, who overcame adversity to achieve Olympic glory.
Based on Daniel James Brown’s New York Times bestselling book, the narrative follows the underdog crew as they defeat rivals and ultimately emerge victorious over the world’s best rowers, defying Adolf Hitler’s orchestrated display of German superiority. The story is a testament to the resilience and character of the rowers, who hailed from diverse backgrounds.
White’s story mirrors the overarching theme of triumph over adversity. Coming from a family that faced economic hardship during the Depression, his passion for rowing became a driving force, connecting him with his father’s legacy as a skilled sculler.
White’s determination, fueled by familial expectations, propels him to the Olympic Gasmes, embodying the spirit of the underdog nation. White died in 1980 at the age of 80. Tom Varey portrays him in the film.
The gold medal comes with a letter of provenance from White’s family. Bidding for the auction is set to open next month with a starting bid of $10,000.
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