In 1936 the sport of basketball was played for the first time competitively in the Olympics Games held in Berlin, Germany. The US defeated Canada by a score of 19-8 to win the gold medal in a legendary game that was played outdoors on a dirt surface in a driving rain storm. Because of this inclement weather, players tell stories of being limited to just passing as dribbling was not possible. This should be recognized as the original Dream Team as all but 1 were professional basketball players.To outdo the Los Angeles games of 1932, then Reich Chancellor Adolf Hitler had built a new 100,000-seat track and field stadium, six gymnasiums, and many other smaller arenas. These Olympic Games were the first to be televised. Additionally, radio broadcasts reached 41 countries. Thanks to this, the sport of basketball was introduced to the world! The US won the gold medal beating Canada (silver) and Mexico (bronze).The team captain was John Haskell “Tex” Gibbons (October 7, 1907 – May 30, 1984). In the early 30s he played basketball at Southwestern College of Winfield, Kansas, but after graduation, like many of the players of his time-period, he joined the AAU leagues. He played for several teams, but it was when he played for the McPherson Oilers that he qualified for the 1936 Olympic team. Gibbons also coached the McPherson Oilers.Offered in Lot #110a is the official Gold Medal awarded to “Tex.” Also included are the athlete handbooks, travel ephemera from voyage overseas, photo of Mr. Gibbons en route and more. Additionally included is a notarized Letter of Authenticity from the Gibbons family. Weighs 73.3 grams and is 55mm in diameter with a thickness of 3mm. Excellent condition. No box. Please contact GZ Auctions for pre-approval to bid on this lot.