Spain, Facist State. A 63rd International Olympic Committee Session at Madrid Delegate's Badge 1965, Named to Lewis Luxton of Australia

Item #EU18971

$110

In bronze gilt with white and yellow enamels, unmarked, engraved "M. LEWIS LUXTON" on the obverse, measuring 32 mm (w) x 50.5 mm (h), horizontal pinback, original ribbon, intact enamels, near extremely fine.

 

Footnote: Lewis Luxton (September 12, 1910 - November 9, 1985) was an Australian rower who competed for Great Britain at the 1932 Summer Olympics and became a member of the International Olympic Committee. Luxton was born in Melbourne, Victoria, Australia, the son of Sir Harold Luxton who was a member of the IOC. He was educated at Melbourne Grammar School before going to England to study at Pembroke College, Cambridge. In 1931, he and his partner William Sambell were runners-up in Silver Goblets at Henley Royal Regatta to Jumbo Edwards and Lewis Clive. In 1932, he was a member of the winning Cambridge boat in the Boat Race. The 1932 Cambridge crew won the Grand Challenge Cup at Henley, rowing as Leander Club. They were subsequently chosen to represent Great Britain at the 1932 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles, where they came fourth in the eights. Luxton served with his father on the AOF Executive Committee for many years. When his father, resigned from the IOC on May 9, 1951 Otto Mayer immediately announced Lewis would be his successor. Luxton, as deputy chairman, undertook a great deal of work for the 1956 Summer Olympics in Melbourne. In 1957, he was awarded CBE for services to the Olympic movement. Luxton was Chairman of Shell Australia, where he was able to give support to Ralph Doubell who was an employee. At Mexico in the 1968 Summer Olympics, he made the presentation to Doubell of the gold medal for the 800m. Luxton was made an honorary member of the IOC when he retired in 1974. Luxton had the deciding vote on whether Australia should send athletes to compete at the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow. In a 6-5 vote, Australia attended the Games officially.