A prized private collection of Olympic torches - representing every Summer Games since the Olympic torch relay was first held in Berlin in 1936 - will be displayed at Bond University thanks to the generosity of the custodian of the collection, Bond University Councillor Victor Hoog Antink.
The collection of 19 torches will be regularly rotated, with one torch on show at a time, in a purpose-built display cabinet at the Bond Sports Centre/
Bond Business School Advisory Board Chair, Mr Hoog Antink, said he began sourcing the torches in 2000, after he took part in the Sydney Olympic torch relay.
“Participants in the relay were given the opportunity to purchase a torch and, as a result of that experience, I developed a keen interest and passion for collecting them,” said Mr Hoog Antink.
“Since then, I have sourced torches online, used a broker in Vancouver and even flew to Greece to collect a rare torch from the 1952 Helsinki Olympics.
“I have always admired the Olympic spirit and believe the torch is an enduring symbol of that commitment, strength and courage that the Games represent.
“I am proud to share my collection with Bond staff, students and visitors, and I hope they can derive some enjoyment from these monuments of sporting history.”
Bond University Vice-Chancellor and President, Professor Tim Brailsford, said it was a privilege to house the rare assembly at Bond’s state-of-the-art Sports Centre.
“Victor Hoog Antink is a valued member of the Bond community, and we are honoured to have his Olympic collection displayed at Bond,” said Professor Brailsford.
“We have a connection to the Olympic movement through our current students and alumni who have represented Australia at the Games, and this collection symbolises their - and their teammates - spirit, commitment and achievement.”