Olympic Games / Summer, 1936/ Berlin/ - Lot 87

Olympic Games / Summer, 1936/ Berlin/ Jesse Owens (1913-1980). Original press photograph in its silver frame, on a blue background, the large original press photograph (silver print) of the 100m finish at the Berlin Games, and the dedication of Jesse Owens, the winner. The inset photo on the left shows the four-time Berlin Olympic champion in civilian clothes (100m, here, 200m, 4x100 relay and long jump). Signed dedication (blue pen) "To Robert my best for great gy, Jesse Owens...". It's from the champion of the 20th century to his great friend, the sports journalist from "L'Equipe". Size: 17.5 x 23 cm; with frame: 31.5 x 41 cm A pupil of Gaston Meyer, Robert Parienté became, like his master, the newspaper's boss, and "the pope of athletics and Olympism" thanks to his talent, open-mindedness and wide-ranging culture. An unforgettable boss of "L'Equipe", he had also become a friend of sports icons such as Owens, to whom he had devoted sublime pages and given unconditional support. Between the two men, who saw each other in the USA, admiration and complicity were total. In fact, Owens himself had removed this photo of his legendary finish (in 47 strides) from his wall, where it was pinned, to offer it to Robert, hand in hand.