The tragic slaying of 11 Israeli athletes by Palestinian terrorists at the 1972 Munich Games cast a dark shadow over what would should have been remembered solely as one of the most thrilling Summer Olympics in history. From American Mark Spitz's dominant seven golds in the pool and USA's controversial loss to Russia in the men's hoops final, to Russian gymnast Olga Korbut and Finnish distance runner Lasse Viren's inspirational comebacks to glory, it was a roller coaster for many teams and athletes alike. Presented here is a divine bronze winner's medal awarded to Finland's Kyösti Laasonen for Men's Archery. The individual event consisted of two rounds with each archer shooting 36 arrows at targets from four different distances (144 total arrows). Men's distances were 90, 70, 50, and 30 meters; women's distances were 70, 60, 50, and 30 meters, respectively. USA swept the men's and women's titles with John Williams and Doreen Wilber taking the gold medals. Lassonen would go on to compete in three subsequent Summer Olympics for Finland culminating with the '84 L.A. Games.
Made of pure bronze, measuring 66 mm in diameter and 4 mm thick, this example weighs 134 grams. The front is inscribed, “XX. Olympiade Munchen 1972,” and depicts a seated Victory with the Colosseum in the background. The reverse portrays mythological twins Castor and Pollux, the patrons of competitive sport and friendship, with the artist's monogram below. The edge is engraved with the event,"Bogenschießen-Manner" (Archery - Men). This was the first winner's medal since 1928 to feature a new design on the reverse, replacing the traditional depiction of a victorious athlete carried by a jubilant crowd. It was also the first medal to bear a chain instead of a ribbon, which was deemed to be too easily soiled or wrinkled. While the original chain and loop have been removed from this example, the medal itseld retains incredibly rich color and texture. An exceptional strike and remarkably well-preserved in EF condition. Interestingly enough, this is the first awarded 1972 Munich Summer Olympics winner's medal (gold, silver or bronze) that we have ever offered at auction.