Ahead of this year’s Tokyo Olympics, Sotheby’s has revealed a lineup of rare and historic memorabilia celebrating the spirit of the games that will soon be up for auction online. The collection is comprised of more than 50 lots, and as with several recent auctions, the highlights are footwear-related. The 1984 Michael Jordan Olympic Trials Worn and Dual Signed Converse Fastbreak sneakers will be among those appearing on the auction block. As some of the rarest Michael Jordan signed and worn sneakers in existence, this pair of Converse Fastbreak was manufactured in 1983 and worn by Jordan during the 1984 Olympic Trials just prior to his rookie season with the Chicago Bulls. Before Michael signed a deal with Nike in his NBA rookie season, he actually preferred to wear Converse, which is what he donned during his college years.
Perhaps the 1984 Michael Jordan Olympic Trials Worn and Dual Signed Converse Fastbreak sneakers brought him luck because Jordan was selected to join the final Olympic team of NBA stars, making the cut of 12 out of 72 notable players. Jordan went on to an illustrious career, which includes six NBA Championships and six MVP Awards along with becoming a two-time Olympic Gold Medal Winner. The sneakers come with a Letter of Provenance, and a Letter of Opinion from MEARS Authentication, as well as an “Authentic” Final Grade. Bidding opens on July 23rd, the day of the Olympic Opening Ceremony.
Speaking of basketball, check out the Literally Balling Fragment Vessel by Victor Solomon.