On July 23, with the opening ceremony, the 2020 Tokyo Olympics officially began.
For the occasion the auction house Sotheby’s auctioned off some of the rarest and most sought-after pieces in the history of the Olympics.

Over 50 lots dedicated to the most incredible Olympic memorabilia ever, among which stands out a pair of running shoes – called “Prototype Logo” given the rudimentary Swoosh – handmade by Bill Bowerman, the co-founder of Nike.

The initial bid for these shoes is $250,000 but it’s very possible that it could go up to a toe price of over a million, we’re talking $1.200.000.

The shoes were made by Bowerman in the ’60s and then modified in the early ’70s for the Canadian Olympic athlete and sprinter Harry Jerome and present, as we said, a first logo proof and a waffle sole, the real first technological innovation of Nike in the field of sports footwear.

Among the other pieces up for auction are a pair of Converse Fastbreak shoes worn and autographed by Michael Jordan during the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles where he won his first gold medal before the one with the Dream Team in 1992. Another lot is dedicated to the Nike “Gold Shoes” worn by Michael Johnson – and autographed – during the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta where he won gold in the 200 and 400 meters, beating the world record in both cases.

“The contents of this sale are among some of the most remarkable Sotheby’s has ever brought to market. From ‘Prototype Logo’ track spikes handmade by Bill Bowerman, to the incredible pair of Michael Johnson ‘Golden Shoes’, as well as flags, cards, and game-worn jerseys and sneakers, this sale is a remarkable offering celebrating the Olympics, and the athletes that have participated in the Games over time”, said Brahm Wachter, Sotheby’s Head of Streetwear and Modern Collectables.

Sotheby’s auction for Olympic memorabilia began on July 23, and here you can try to place your bid and see all the lots in the auction.