Race is on for pioneer Olympian’s medals
EARLY sporting medals won by a ground-breaking British Olympic swimmer more than 100 years ago are coming up for auction in August.
In 1924 Lucy Morton powered to glory in the 200m breaststroke at the Paris Olympics. She became the first British woman to win gold in an individual swimming event.
Her Olympic gold medal and other memorabilia sold for £12,225 at Hansons in 2019.
Now a collection of sporting and life-saving medals won by Lucy are set to go under the hammer in Hansons’ Country Fine Art and Collectors Auction.
Being sold in three lots - 1188, 1189 and 1190 - they include medals awarded at galas in 1909 and 1910, a Royal Life Saving Society bronze medal from 1915, a School Championship award from 1916 and assorted silver watch fobs. All lots start from a low estimate of £30.
They offer a poignant reminder of an important Olympian who pioneered a sport Britain excels in. Team GB’S swimming team won eight medals, including four gold, at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
Lucy was born in New Tatton, Cheshire, in 1898 but spent most of her life in Blackpool until her death in 1980. She achieved so much success a ‘Pioneer Plaque’ honours her in The International Swimming Hall of Fame in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, America.
After retiring from competitive swimming, she became a coach and supported others in pursuit of their sporting dreams for the rest of her life.
Lucy’s medals are due to be sold in Hansons’ Country Fine Art & Collectables Auction. Catalogue: www.hansonslive.co.uk.