Lot 941

Description

The Coolangatta Gold, (1984), prize medal in gilt bronze (65mm), unnamed; another identical but with suspension lug fitted, reverse inscribed, 'Geoff Houldsworth' (race sponsor executive, not a competitor); various enamelled cufflinks, tiepins, badges including club and school badges, also a few tokens and medals and a N.S.W. Rugby Football League Schoolboy Referee's badge, by A.J.Parkes, Brisbane. Mostly fine - uncirculated. (approx 40)

The Coolangatta Gold was a surf race from Surfer's Paradise to Coolangatta and back which was conceived by Peter Schrek in 1984 when he was writing a movie featuring the talents of surfing ironman legend, Grant Kenny. The race was to be the dramatic climax to the movie. From this idea, an actual race was staged with prize money to the winner and a medal. Only the winner received a medal and this medal was not issued again. The medals offered above were specimens held by the sponsor and the named one bears the name of one of the sponsor's executives. Although many notable ironmen competed, the relatively unknown 18-year old Guy Leech from Manly Surf Lifesaving Club was the winner.