Scarce official ‘first place’ Olympic trials certificate from the American Olympic Committee, one page, 7.75 x 5.75, issued to famed Tarzan actor and Olympic gold medal-winning swimmer Johnny Weissmuller, which reads: “This certifies that J. Weismuller [sic] was a competitor in the Try-outs at Indianapolis held by the American Olympic Committee to prepare a team to represent the United States of America at the VIII Olympiad – Paris, France, 1924, and won 1st place in 200 M. Free Style Swim.” Signed at the conclusion in fountain pen by Robert Means Thompson as president of the AOC and by Frederick Rubien as secretary. In fine condition, with light tape stains to the top corners, and a small area of surface loss below Weissmuller's surname.
Eleven swimming events were contested at the 1924 Summer Olympics in Paris, six for men and five for women. The United States team, coached by Bill Bachrach, won 19 of the 33 medals, and nine of the 11 gold medals. Most notably, Johnny Weissmuller won three gold medals, surfing pioneer Duke Kahanamoku won a silver, and the great Warren Kealoha won a gold.
Robert Means Thompson was a United States Navy officer, business magnate, and philanthropist (1849–1930) who twice served as president of the American Olympic Association, once for the 1912 Summer Olympics, and again for the 1924 games.
