Despite Having A Collapsed Lung, Olympic Star That Once Made US Proud Sees Medals Up For Auction

Swimming legends competing at the Olympics have compelling stories to tell. These stories are potent enough to shift the course of someone’s life, like in the case of wine merchant John MacLeod. After spending 30 years in the wine industry, he learned of the harrowing challenges in the lives of Olympians and chose to become their mouthpiece. He gave the world an insider’s view of the life of an Olympian through the “Beyond Bronze, Silver and Gold” series. Among all the legends gracing the camera, one stood apart by sheer will and conviction.

Olympic swimmer Steve Genter was the poster boy for the critically acclaimed series for a reason. He competed at the 1972 Olympics with a major life-threatening deformity. Now, the brave swimming veteran is again sharing his legacy story with the best tokens from his inspiring career.

Steve Genter puts his medals on the auction block

Steve Genter was a purveyor of accolades during his gleaming Olympic career. However, now he is ready to part with the artifacts that remind him of those glorious albeit difficult days. TMZ broke the news on their X page via a post that read, “Swimmer Steve Genter’s Olympic Medals Up For Bid, Won With Collapsed Lung”. As unbelievable as it might sound, it was the absolute truth. Steve Genter prioritized America’s interests over his own life at the 1972 Summer Olympics held in Munich. On the plane ride to the venue of the big event, Genter suffered from a bout of bronchitis owing to the altitude changes and the crowded conditions. The persistent cough later turned more life-threatening, and he needed surgery to repair his collapsed lung.

With a week left for the Olympics event, no one thought he would compete. However, in an expectations-defying measure, the American legend not only completed the course but also won the 4 x 200-meter freestyle relay gold medal, 200-meter freestyle silver, and 400-meter freestyle bronze. Now, with the advent of another Olympics, Genter wishes to imbue others with the same champion mentality.

Steve Genter’s inspiring auction

Steve Genter has estimated the value of his medal set at $50,000, and the vendition at RR Auction’s Olympic-themed bid will start from thereon. Genter said, “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”. Now, he hopes the new owner of these timeless pieces of Olympic history will find inspiration in them.

Read More: “A Few Unforgettable Memories”: Swimming Legends Drop Never-Seen-Before Moments to Celebrate Olympic Day 2023

The sale is serving a dual purpose for Steve Genter, as the proceeds from the auction will help a close relative out of a financial crisis. In the meantime, the new owner will await a call from the legend to thank them for the purchase.

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