1964 Tokyo Summer Olympics, worn by United States Track and Field athlete, Michael Larrabee. Super heavyweight knit, warm-up jacket, made by Wilson, size MEDIUM. Measures 21 inches from armpit to armpit. Measures 25 inches from top to bottom, down back. Perfectly working Talon brand zipper front and front pocket. Blank back. "USA" sewn on front in 2-color tackle twill. Some light stains, no major damage. Larrabee had a thin build, so please check the measurements. This jacket was obtained from a collector from Santa Maria, California. There is no letter of authenticity with this jacket. This is a museum-quality piece and true example of United States track and field, and Olympic history. Stunning sports relic. Photographs are not included in this auction.
Mike Larrabee won the 400 m (tying the world record of 44.9) at the 1964 Olympic Trials in Los Angeles. In the Tokyo Olympics final, Larrabee was in fifth place going into the final turn, when he passed everyone in front of him with a burst of speed to win the gold medal in 45.1. Larrabee also ran the second leg on United States gold medal winning 4x400 m relay team that won in the world record time of 3:00.7. Although he was diagnosed with advanced pancreatic cancer in 2001 and was only expected to live a few weeks, he continued to live life to the fullest for two more years, thanks to chemotherapy treatments. Mike Larrabee died in his home at Santa Maria, California, aged 69. He was posthumously added to the Track and Field Hall of Fame in December 2003.
