Huge interests towards Erika Salumäe medals

Madis Kalvet
, spordireporter
Copy
Please note that the article is more than five years old and belongs to our archive. We do not update the content of the archives, so it may be necessary to consult newer sources.
Photo: Madis Kalvet

Today in Sotheby’s, London, two Olympic golds and other career items of Erika Salumäe’s are auctioned off.

In1988 and 1992, Estonians rejoiced over track bicycling wins, at Olympics, by Erika Salumäe. Today, in London, it will be decided if the awards will be for us to enjoy in times to come – or adorn the trophy collection of some foreign enthusiast.   

On October 18th, the news came out: the double Olympic champion is selling her medals and other items related to the career. Ever since, wheels have been in motion, in Estonia, to bring the historic items back home. Today’s auction will feature, as participant, Estonian Olympic Committee president Neinar Seli – amply supported by private sponsors to offer worthy money for the medals.

The organizer of the auction, Graham Budd, through whose firm Erika Salumäe does the sale, believes the gold medals may indeed find their way back to Estonia.

Graham Budd, how much interest have the Erika Salumäe items generated?

The interest is enormous and, from Estonia, there have been lots of questions. In addition to potential buyers, there’s been very much media interest – not a given with auctions like this. In addition to the Olympic medals, various other items are on offer – but the Olympic trophies are the hottest items. The interest may push the prices quite high. The day is sure to be an exciting one.

Which gold medal might be of greater interest – the first, from Soul 1988 or the second, from Barcelona in 1992, coming to Estonia after its regained independence?

Internationally, the first one will surely be weightier for collectors, being the first given to ladies in that sport. The Barcelona gold, however, is of more value to you Estonians, being a part of your history.

How often does that happen – Olympic medals auctioned off?

This is rather rare, but is happens. In Erika Salumäe’s case, we have predicted about £9,000–2,000 per gold (€10,500–14,000), which is quite much.

In Estonia, it is hoped our folks will manage to grab both medals. Do you think that’s likely?

Sorely, there will be a run for the golds. Even so, I think Estonians stand a good chance. We hear Estonians’ interests are high and they have made preparations.

Medals aside, what else might spark great interest?

The Olympic bike, for sure – the one Erika Salumäe rode to Barcelona gold. Overall, the bike comes third price wise.

In additions to the Erika Salumäe collection, what else is up today?

Also, there is the Olympic gold medal by Nigerian footballer Celestine Babayaro, from Atlanta 1996. Thus, it’ll be exciting to see which Olympic gold will be the dearest. The Babayaro medal is predicted to sell for £5,000–8,000 (€5,800–9,300).

Then there are the Formula 1 items, like Michael Schumacher’s Ferrari competition suit from German GO 2006, predicted £7,000–9,000 (€8,100–10,500).

........................

The auctions starts today, in London, at 4 pm Estonian time. According to organizers, the items of interest for Estonians will be «on» at around 5:45-6 pm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------

Dearest Olympic gold – a million US dollars!

While Erika Salumäe’s medals are forecast to sell for €10,500–14,000, some Olympic golds have fetched incredible money.

To our knowledge, the largest sum paid is a million US dollars (€740,000) paid for professional boxer Vladimir Klichko 1996 Atlanta gold medal (the first Olympics where Ukraine features as an independent state).   

«I sold my medal a hundred per cent for charity. The money went to the Klichko Brothers Fund – we care about education and sports, that being the most important foundation in the lives of children,» Mr Klichko told CNN in 2012, after the auction, explaining the money was meant to fulfill the dreams of hundreds of thousands of Ukrainian children.

The winner of the said auction was never publicly disclosed. Allegedly, the buyer was a Ukrainian businessman, who immediately returned the medal to the sportsman.

A legendary gold reaching the auction was from 1980 Lake Placid Olympics, in ice hockey. Then, the US team composed by amateurs and students beat the invincible USSR, 4:3. The win is known as the Miracle on Ice; in 1999, Sports Illustrated voted it to be the greatest sports event of the 20th century. The golden team member Mark Wells was forced to sell the medal in 2010 due to health issues, suffering from a rare genetic disease. $310,700 (€230,000) was paid for the medal by an American collector. 

Comments
Copy

Terms

Top